BLACKBURN with Darwen Council is bidding to bring the borough together -- by putting residents on the back end of its buses.

The council has launched a "Belonging" campaign, putting photographs of local people on posters.

The council has also drawn up a charter which it said is at the heart of the campaign.

Nan Goodall, chairman of Ewood and Fernhurst Community Association, is one of the people whose face is to be posted all over town. She said: "I have lived in Blackburn with Darwen all my life.

"I have chaired my local community association and I am proud that our actions improve lives and make a difference to the whole community."

Hospital workers, nursery nurses, Blackburn Rovers players, police officers and World War II veterans are also included in the campaign.

A short version of the charter, prepared at Blackburn College, reads: "We the people of Blackburn with Darwen

Intend to live together in harmony, being aware of what we have in common and what brings us together.

Celebrate our history, differences in cultures and faiths, and the wide range of people who live here.

Recognise that everyone has equal rights and value everyone who visits, lives or works here.

Will reject racism, prejudice and violence.

The Archdeacon of Blackburn, the Ven John Hawley, chair of the Belonging group, is heading the campaign, along with Peter Morgan, the council's director of education and lifelong learning.

Mr Hawley said: "Since coming to the borough I have been impressed by the rich cultural diversity and by the friendliness of the people.

"I believe that it's important to value everyone in society and this campaign aims to celebrate and build on the unity, acknowledging the contributions made by all sections of society."

Council leader Sir Bill Taylor said: "I am proud to be part of this campaign. It is our aim to encourage people to live together in harmony since we have an excellent track record in this, and I will certainly be signing the charter.

"I urge other leaders in the private and public sector to join me in signing the charter and celebrate what is good about our borough."

Coun Colin Rigby, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Conservatives, said: "We are a diverse community and it is essential that we live in accord with all communities. I have supported this idea from the outset and will be delighted to sign the charter."