THREE ethnic minority groups have joined forces in a pioneering project to help the elderly and their carers in Hyndburn.

The partnership is the first of its kind in Accrington and will mean all three ethnic groups which serve hundreds of local people can operate from an upgraded common headquarters.

Finance for the move has come from the Hyndburn social services community development fund as each group works primarily with older people.

Aawaz -- which works with Asian women and carers locally -- was awarded £10,000 and the other two volunteer groups are believed to have been awarded similar amounts.

Social care project manager Zulekha Dala, who has operated with the groups to set up the pilot scheme, said: "This development work is seen by the local minority ethnic communities and the groups in a very positive light.

"It is about community development, social inclusion and working towards racial harmony. The groups have come together to operate from a common base and to work in partnership to focus on a shared goal."

The other two groups which make up the project are Apna Ghar, which offers support and advice to older Asian men and women in Hyndburn and Ikhlaq, which offers advice to Hyndburn's Asian male carers.

The Ikhlaq and Aawaz groups will share an office which has been equipped with new furniture and equipment through the Hyndburn social services community development funding.

Apna Ghar will have its own fully-equipped office from the funding and two disabled toilets and shower facilities have also been provided.

Each of the three is now operating from the Portland Street Community Centre in Accrington which was bought by the mosque in Grimshaw Street when the Accrington Grammar School site closed around four years ago.