POLICE in north-west Durham have urged members of minority ethnic communities to help form a group to discuss race relations issues.

The aim is to have an ethnic liaison forum in the Derwentside area to match similar bodies in Durham and Darlington. The forum would exchange ideas, tackle any racial issues which arise and help develop police strategies for dealing with reported incidents.

Chief Insp Dave Hogg said Derwentside had relatively few residents from ethnic communities, with those living in the area being mainly of Asian or Chinese origin.

However, police chiefs are keen to ensure everyone has the opportunity to put themselves forward if they feel they can make a contribution.

Chief Insp Hogg said: "We are looking for a tightly-knit, dynamic group of people who could help make a difference.

"Racial incidents do happen from time to time in this area, but thankfully they remain fairly isolated.

"However, we accept there may be other incidents which are never reported to the police, perhaps because the victims don't have confidence in us to deal with the matter.

"We are keen to ensure that as a police service we are tackling such issues in the right way."

People who have reported being victims of racial incidents within the last year are being contacted by police to ask if they would be interested in taking part.

Darlington and County Durham Racial Equality Council chairman Pat Poinen said: "We would welcome the formation of a liaison group in Derwentside, because it will then give the ethnic communities, however small, the voice to speak. And it will enable them to bring up issues pertinent to their needs, which will help the police to provide the services needed."

She added: "Although there are only a few members of ethnic minorities in County Durham, it does not mean there is no discrimination taking place."

The size of the forum and the frequency of its meetings will only be decided upon after the level of interest has been assessed. However, at this stage it's thought meetings will be held once very two months. Anyone interested should call Chief Insp Hogg or the community safety department at Consett police station on (01207) 504204.