PROMOTING good community and race relations between the police and public is Javaid Akther, who has been appointed as Bury police division's first community and race relations officer.

His major role will be to help build bridges between the force and the public and to highlight the day-to-day operations of the police.

Javaid (41) is already well-known to the ethnic community in the borough as he was manager of the Jinnah Day Care Centre in Bury for five years before taking up his new post.

About his appointment, the father-of-three explained: "My role entails the development and promotion of good community and race relations and collaborative enterprise between Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and all communities, together with local public, private and voluntary sector agencies. "In a nutshell, it's to create and strengthen links and maintain trust, understanding and confidence between the community and GMP."

Commenting on his objectives, Javaid stressed: "My aim is to build bridges by creating better awareness in GMP of the communities' needs and concerns and educating the community on the police's operational procedures and limitations.

"Hopefully, this will create better understanding and co-operation between the police and the community."

He added: "My appointment has been a positive step forward for Bury police.

"I very much enjoy my work and I'm surrounded by excellent colleagues who are professional in what they do."

Another main element of his role, particularly within the ethnic community, will be to encourage people to report what he terms as "hate crime".

He went on: "On the note of racism, our division takes the matter very seriously and it is not tolerated. Bury people are encouraged to come forward and report any form of racist incidents that take place."

Javaid stressed: "Positive outcomes have been achieved by taking the racist individuals to court and getting convictions."

Forthcoming projects in which he will be involved include the production of a Ramadan Calendar, seeking out cricket facilities for young people in East Bury, a taxi drivers' consultation event and a "don't drink-and-drive" campaign.

Javaid was born in Pakistan and came to Bury at the age of six.

"I am very proud of my roots and the Bury people," he says. Previously, he worked with Age Concern in Bury for a couple of years as an ethnic minority services development officer.

Later, he was appointed manager of the Jinnah Day Care Centre in Alfred Street which opened its doors in 1996.

Several years ago, he undertook a trip to Bosnia to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid, such as vital food, clothing and medicine, through the Islamic Relief Agency, a UK-based charity.

Javaid went on: "I have assisted and continue to assist and advise community groups and organisations, including the CAB, Interfaith discussion groups, Elders Forum and others."