A PRESTON group were celebrating today after scooping the prestigious BBC ASIA Achievement in Sport Award.

The presentation was made at the third annual Asian, Success, Innovation and Achievement awards, held at Birmingham's NEC Arena.

The Respect All Fans Football Initiative (RAFFI) is a football coaching scheme which helps children aged five to 15 to develop their soccer skills.

RAFFI's aim in running the successful coaching scheme is to break down fears of racism both on the pitch and on the terraces, as well as trying to encourage Asian youngsters to take part in football at Preston North End.

The judges on the night were The Duchess of York, Keith Vaz MP, Radio One's Dreem Team and Nina Wadia of television's Goodness Gracious Me.

A spokesman for Preston and West Lancashire Racial Equality Council said: "It is a splendid achievement for the town." Idris Selant, from RAFFI, said: "Winning this award will go a long way in breaking down barriers for Asians who wish to get into professional football.

"The award is a credit to all the people who have worked hard and this has put the proud back in to Preston." Tony Scholes, Preston North End's chief executive, added: "Preston is one of the few clubs to actively be involved in a scheme like RAFFI, and it is credit to the hard work of RAFFI co-ordinator Idris Selant, that the football coaching scheme was considered the winner."

Pictured from left are RAFFI's Kamran Sabir and Idris Selant with Goodness Gracious Me star Sanjev Bhaskar