A NEW project to help promote the achievements of Afro Caribbean people in Bury will be launched with a special event this week.

The Afro Caribbean Opportunities Initiative event will take place at the Village Hotel on Friday (March 21) and will involve a dinner dance. There will be a three-course Caribbean meal and live music.

It will be a spectacular launch for the project, which aims to promote equality and challenge racial discrimination.

Organisers will work with existing statutory and voluntary organisations to run a range of events and activities.

The project launch has been funded by a grant given to Neil Dudley by the Health Through Action Millennium Award Scheme.

Neil, who is a social worker, said: "Our mission is to promote the opportunities available and achievements of African Caribbean individuals within Bury by delivering and developing socially inclusive, accessible initiatives and strategies.

"I've started this project because I believe there is a lack of services for Afro Caribbean people in the Bury area."

The initiative has also received funding from the Community Foundation Greater Manchester.