PENDLE Council has appointed a Partnership Diversity Officer to help in its development of a cohesive community.

Sarah Astin, 22, who lives in Fence, will work in partnership with organisations such as Lancashire County Council, the Police, Pendle Partnership, the community and voluntary groups, as well as engaging and consulting the community so that the needs of the diverse borough can be addressed.

Sarah, who studied at Hull University before working as diversity and equality assistant and East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, said: "I want to have an impact on the community as soon as possible by getting involved with partner organisations and citizens of the borough to develop initiatives that actively promote community cohesion.

"I'm aiming to work with agencies to extend cross-cultural links, encourage 'zero tolerance' of racism and discrimination, and become involved in community events and projects that celebrate diversity."

Brian Astin, the council's corporate policy manager, said: "The role has been developed in part to respond to the Government's Guidance on Community Cohesion issued following the

disturbances in Oldham, Burnley and Bradford in 2001.

"The Council cannot tackle far reaching issues like these alone, so having a co-ordinator such as Sarah will allow expertise, experience and resources to be pooled whilst avoiding duplication of work."

For further information, contact Sarah Astin on 01282 661986.