LANCASTER shopkeeper, Mal Hussain, was told to "be strong" by former South African President Nelson Mandela at a special anti-racism function in London last week.

The anti-apartheid legend embraced Mal and listened to him as he described his experiences of racial abuse while living on the Ryeland's estate.

Organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews at the Park Lane Hotel, the event was also attended by Swedish Prime Minister, Goran Persson.

Talking about the evening, Mal said: "It was an honour to be in the same room as Nelson Mandela but to be able to embrace him and for him to listen to what I had to say and to give me advice is an experience that will stay with me always." "I told Mr Mandela about the racism that Linda and I have been subjected to for the last nine years, where all the local agencies have been dismissive and continuously in denial of the racism we have had to endure. I also told him about the campaign group that continues to support us. Mr Mandela told me to be strong and to not let them force me out of my home and to build on the support that I already have."

Describing what Nelson Mandela was like he added: "I was overwhelmed by this great man's zest for life and after the purgatory he has been through there is no bitterness.

"He spoke for almost an hour and everyone listened silently. He is able to go into places of conflict, suffering and give hope where there is none.

"He is an inspiration to all black people all over the world."