BURY'S ethnic and host communities united during a joint Eid and Christmas celebration staged at the Jinnah Day Care Centre.

More than 150 guests, including Consul General of Pakistan Mr Ayaz Wazir, and Bury Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors John and Stella Smith, enjoyed a meal and entertainment at the event where there was also a presentation by the Army .

The decision to hold a joint Eid and Christmas celebration was the brainchild of Jinnah chairman Dr Mohammed Salim, former chairman of Bury Racial Equality Council.

Involving the host community in the Jinnah has been one of his twin aims since taking over as chairman of the Alfred Street-based centre.

"I want to encourage the local white community to join us at the Jinnah. The centre should not just be for Asians, but for all sectors of the community. It's important to do some bridge building."

He has also been successful in significantly increasing the number of female users of the centre. Dr Salim said: "The Jinnah now has 155 members, nearly 60 of whom are female. I'm very pleased at that number. There were only two females actually using the Jinnah when I took over.

"I also want representatives of all sectors of the community to become involved in the Jinnah and I am determined to have integrated, cultural activities at the centre."

Representatives from the British Army's ethnic minority recruitment team gave a talk about career opportunities, followed by a question and answer session.

Added Dr Salim: "The presentation was very interesting and informative. I was very pleased to see so many people interested in joining the Army."