MP Andy Burnham has praised the work of a community group.

Mr Burnham described Leigh Ethnic Elders as a valuable service, at the second anniversary celebration of the group's drop-in centre, in Church Street.

The community group has worked with the local authority to highlight and deal with needs of minority groups.

Mr Burnham said at the celebrations, which took place at Haigh Hall: "It is great to see the Leigh Ethnic Elders centre celebrating its second anniversary. It is providing a valuable service right across the whole community, and I hope to see it go from strength to strength over the coming years."

At the event, different ethnic groups met up with health and social care providers.

Dave Charnock, of Wigan Social Services, said: "The Leigh Ethnic Elders is an excellent example of a community group working together with the local authority, identifying its own needs and addressing those needs.

"The range of services the group provides is a credit to the community."

Ken Cuthbertson, Primary Care Group manager with responsibilities for the ethnic communities, said the centre had been a wonderful means of linking the NHS and local minority groups, and enabling them to express their health needs and obtain access to health services.

Anyone from any ethnic minority interested in visiting the centre for help or advice, or just to meet others, may call in or ring 01942 682227. WELL DONE: Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Zia Ulhaque, chairman of Leigh Ethnic Elders