PNE and the Preston and West Lancashire Racial Equality Council's attempts to tackle racism have been recognised by a national award.

RAFFI (Respect All Fans Football Initiative) in partnership with North End, have won a prestigious Phillip Lawrence Award for its Sunday Coaching Scheme.

The project, funded by the Single Regeneration Budget, through the Greater Deepdale Partnership, was one of seven national winners.

The scheme aims to encourage both children and adults from all communities to play or coach football in a safe and friendly environment.

RAFFI encourages the local community to work alongside the football club and other organisations with a view to encouraging local people, of whatever race, creed or colour, to take part and watch football at all levels in a safe and friendly environment.

The Phillip Lawrence Awards reward outstanding achievements in good citizenship by young people aged between 11 and 20.

The awards were set up in recognition of the work that Phillip Lawrence did, after he unfortunately lost his life coming to the aid of a student in need.

Idris Selant, project co-ordinator for RAFFI, said: "To win a national award is a tremendous achievement for the project and it makes everybody who is part of the project proud to be from Preston.

"This award just goes to show what is possible if you believe in what you are doing."

RAFFI is now embarking on a new, innovative project which is the development and implementation of a new website and newsletter.

This will be done by working closely with the local community, educational establishments and other interested parties.

The initiative is particularly interested in involving businesses who have an interest not only in football but the community as a whole.

For more information, call Idris on (01772) 825665.