ATTEMPTS are being made to promote integration in a community of various ethnic groups.

A day of building bridges will be held in east Middlesbrough, on Wednesday.

Miranda Richmond, of the North of England Refugee Service worker, said: "A group of asylum seekers decided they would like the chance to promote understanding about their situation among their neighbours in the area, and introduce themselves in a positive way.

"Out of this arose the idea of a community event, which we hope will go some way towards achieving their goal."

Stronger Together in East Middlesbrough and the North of England Refugee Service are organising the project with volunteers from the Youth Inclusion Project and residents.

Tees Valley World Drummers and Hindu and Kurdish dancers will perform. Other activities will include henna-painting, crafts, face-painting and cookery at Thorntree Community Centre, between 10am and 4pm.