SHAHID Malik, the son of Burnley's Mayor Coun Rafique Malik, has been appointed as national vice-chairman of the UK United Nations Educational Science and Cultural Organisation.

UK Unesco will help promote the work of Unesco and will focus primarily on assisting developing countries. As well as science, culture and education, UK Unesco will have an emphasis on enhancing communications and sustainablity.

Burnley-born Shahid said: "I have always had a keen interest in the developing world and this is a unique opportunity to play a small but positive role.

"Naturally I am thrilled with the part-time appointment and it builds well both on my work in fighting sectarianism and inequality as a commissioner to the Northern Ireland Equality Commission and my Great Britain work on social exclusion and urban regeneration."

Shahid is the only black or Asian person on the 20 plus national council and in addition is the youngest. He also made history earlier this year by being the first black or Asian person to be elected to the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party.

He is currently the chief executive of Harringey Regeneration Agency which is responsible for a £150million regeneration programme in North London.

He is also national chairman of the urban forum helping change government policy to empower local communities and is a member of the Downing Street-based social exclusion unit working on its jobs policy action team.