A NUMBER of distinguished speakers delivered keynote addresses at a special health awareness day aimed at the borough's black minority and ethnic community.

The event, which attracted more than 150 people, was organised by Bury Racial Equality Council and the Jinnah Day Care Centre which acted as the venue.

Guests included the new Mayor of Bury Councillor John Smith and a number of representatives from local health bodies and the ethnic community.

Among those who gave speeches during Sunday's (May 19) event were Dr M. Abidi, a lecturer, who spoke about racial discrimination within medicine, and measures and structures being adopted to tackle the problem.

Dr Zubair Ahmed, a board member on Oldham Primary Care Trust, highlighted the issue of diabetes. He told the audience of the contributory factors and how people could try to avoid the illness.

Dr Mohammad Qureshi, chairman of Bury Racial Equality Council's community health development, spoke about the success of the initiative which has been awarded category A status by the local Primary Care Trust.

Another guest speaker was Dr Ahmad Jallani who spoke about general medical issues.

The welcome and introduction was given by Dr Mohammed Salim, chairman of Bury Racial Equality Council, while its director, Mr Khalid Hussain, proposed the vote of thanks.

Mr Hussain said: "The main aim of the function was to promote and create awareness of health issues among the black minority and ethnic community and we were very honoured to have a number of very distinguished speakers."