A MAN who for much of his life lived in Blackburn has returned to the town to take up a position in a pioneering project.

Mohammed Anayat, who until a year ago lived in Blackburn, now makes his way across the Pennines from West Yorkshire everyday to his new job. As project officer for Connecting Communities, Anayat, as many people know him, is hoping to change the perception members of the Asian community have towards the police.

He told us, "There is a need to go into the community and really find out the issues which are affecting them and what they feel about the police. Connecting Communities' ultimate aim is to work with the community and create better understanding with the Lancashire Constabulary.

The Connecting Communities Lancashire Project is one of 75 set up across the UK. But only 13 are being run like that in Lancashire.

"The Lancashire Council of Mosques, through which the project is run was chosen to manage this particular project. Since the beginning of the project the number of Asian recruits in the force has doubled. We work closely with the recruitment department of Lancashire Constabulary. People like Dr Mahmud Chandia, Ibrahim Master, Mebs Ahmed and Jamil Murtaza were instrumental in getting this project off the ground."

Based at Bangor Street Community Centre, Anayat is hoping to link up with many local organisations in the near future. He added, "I have already begun liasing with local colleges, universities and community organisations. It is an ongoing process and with an aim of making the police a more attractive career option for our community.

"We are targeting all members of the community regardless of age and gender. I don't see why when you make contact with a police officer it should not be an Asian one."

Anayat takes over the role as project manager from Farooq Mangera who left the role earlier this year to take up a post elsewhere.

A keen footballer and community activist Anayat is no stranger to life in Lancashire. He was governor at Beardwood High School and helped run and play for a number of football clubs in the area. He added, "I lived and worked here for many years and have made many good friends. It is a challenging role for me but one I hope that will benefit both myself and the community at large."