COMMUNITY relations in Burnley were given a boost after two groups of women bridged the racial divide by sharing a very special lunch.

The event was organised by the luncheon clubs from Burnley Wood's One Stop Shop and the Daneshouse Community Centre and aimed at bringing the two communities closer together.

A group of around 20 Asian women travelled to Burnley Wood, some for the first time, on Thursday and were treated to a shepherd's pie meal and a tour of the area.

And yesterday the women from Burnley Wood paid a return visit to Daneshouse where they were introduced to the delights of Indian food.

One of the key recommendations of the Task Force report which followed the June 2001 riots was that more opportunities should be sought for Burnley's white and Asian communities to mix in the borough.

Organisations were urged to look at ways of encouraging multi-racial activities and at cutting across racial divisions.

Organiser Sarwat Jaleel said: "We really wanted to get the two groups closer together and give them an opportunity to visit the areas where they live.

"Some of these women have never been outside their own part of the town so it was a real opportunity to give them an insight.

"The event was a fantastic success and I really feel some bridges have been built between the two groups.

"Even those that didn't like the food seemed to get along well with one another.

"This is definitely something we will be continuing so we can carry on bringing the two communities together in a positive way."