A FORMER West Yorkshire police inspector is aiming to unite communities in a show of patriotism by organising a One Britain One Nation Day to raise the profile of its Count Me In campaign.

Kash Singh, the founder of OBON, has organised the day of celebration and arranged for a photocall outside City Hall in Bradford.

Those who joined him included Sir James Hill, deputy lieutenant for West Yorkshire; Michael Jameson, strategic director for Bradford Council Children’s Services; Dominic Wall, chief executive of Southfield Grange Trust and chair of the Bradford School’s Forum plus headteachers and education leaders from across Bradford.

Mr Singh said: “This day will be an opportunity for all our children to showcase their love, pride and passion for our great nation and a chance to stand in solidarity with each other, to wave or fly the flag of our country for the kind, generous and tolerant people of our great nation.”

Many schools across Bradford and West Yorkshire have already signed up to celebrate the day which takes place on Friday, June 23. His organisation, which has support from national treasure Joanna Lumley, aims to see a Great Britain once again, where everyone has a strong and a shared sense of belonging.

The award-winning former officer who has worked in Bradford and Leeds said his time in inner city areas enabled him to see how society was lacking a vision and it became clear to him what was needed. He won a Criminal Justice award for work in Manningham.

“We all need to live in a society where everyone is pulling together to create a peaceful and respectful coexistence based on all that we share in common,” he added.

Mr Jameson said: “Bradford is the youngest, fastest growing population outside of London and our young people are our greatest asset. OBON builds on the great work across Bradford, promoting tolerance, understanding and valuing difference and diversity. These are key attributes our young people require to positively shape a prosperous and inclusive Britain.”

Sir James Hill added: “It is particularly encouraging to see the project pursued here in Bradford and supported by our local schools and colleges with such enthusiasm.”

John Robins, Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “The launch formally marks the start of a period of reaching out to our schools and young people with an aim of creating a sense of pride and unity amongst them.”