A SENIOR policeman is continuing an Asian fact-finding mission with a two-week trip to Pakistan.

Insp Andy Pratt of Blackburn Police is travelling back to the sub-continent after he paid his own way on a similar working holiday in India last summer.

Insp Pratt, the ethnic liaison officer for the county's new eastern police division is aiming to increase his knowledge of the cultural background and family ties of the people he deals with every day in East Lancashire.

Insp Pratt is heading a Blackburn Police initiative aimed at improving links with the Asian community, particularly youngsters.

And many local families regularly visit their family in India and Pakistan and retain strong ties with the countries.

Describing last year's trip, he said: "I felt it was important for the job I am doing.

"I learnt a lot and built up some relationships which will help me.

"I met some really nice people and got a much deeper insight into the whole cultural aspect of the country and the very deep family ties which exist."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.