FOREIGN workers are being given a helping hand in settling into Pendle by police.

Once a month PC Susan Main and PCSO Martin Croasdale are running classes to offer advice on subjects ranging from buying a car to working in the force.

The workers helped are those who are taking English and life skill classes at Nelson and Colne College.

PC Main said the idea came about when the workers raised concerns over safety in the college.

She said: "There were some issues such as how to get to the college safely.

"Some people were intimidated about the overgrown bushes and bad lighting in the college during the winter.

"We got in touch with the college and got the shrubs cut back and improved the lighting - that's how it started."

The classes at the college have been very popular and attract workers from eastern Europe and the middle east.

She said: "We are trying to break down barriers and have had positive feedback from the college.

"The college seems to have a really good reputation and the classes are increasing in capacity all the time."

Information packs are also handed out at the meetings.

PC Main said: "The packs are in a number of different languages aimed at those we have the most concern about.

"This includes advice such as how to report problems with recycling and things in terms of general law."

The first meeting attracted 80 students.

Police are also advising people to attend PACT - Partnerships and Communities Together - meetings which take place in every neighbourhood once a month in order to deal with the issues that effect residents.