Community group supported by police

At the International Neighbours AGM, PCSO Rosie Hill presented the cheque, which will pay for the venue at next year’s main event.

The group was formed to promote community cohesion by celebrating diversity, to build positive relationships and value for one another and to create a strong and inclusive community.

The next annual celebration is set for June 28, 2014, and planning is already under way.

Justine Hart, community co-ordinator, said: “This funding will enable us to continue to provide a platform to build community cohesion, bringing the whole community together to celebrate diversity and to help build trust and understanding. We would like to thank the police for their valued support.

“Our AGM began with the election of officers, then sorting out dates for next year and rounding up the year we have had.

“This year has been very successful, we had a big turn-out and it was fantastic but we hope next year will be even bettter. We’ve had an excellent response and everyone has really enjoyed it.”

Justine added: “The cheque was a very positive thing and the police are very interested in our work and are very supportive.

“I do want to thank everyone for working really hard and also mention our new patron Alison Lapper who hopes to get more involved next year.

“We aim to build a strong and happy community and celebrate cultures and differences and we look forward to our fifth year.”

Penny Joseph, chairwoman of International Neighbours, said: “It was lovely to meet Rosie Hill, she was very enthusiastic about our event and hopes to come next year. We would like a police presence next year with a stall and information. The cheque has enabled us to plan ahead knowing we have the money, it has really set us up.

“The whole evening was lovely, we had displays of all our photos and a video of the event which was exceptional. For the first time, we have a youth officer who will be in charge of all youth events.

“We realised we want to build on this year with more events for teenagers and young people next year.”

PCSO Rosie Hill, said: “This is an extremely colourful event and I have been privileged to attend.

“It brings together people from all race and culture, and displays the diverse types of food, crafts, music, dance, arts and dress. It’s a really fun and educational day for all.”

The donation came from the Police Property Act Fund (PPAF), which is made up of money received by the police from property confiscated by order of the court and then sold.