A series of partnership schemes aimed at improving community and race relations in the Bradford district have helped West Yorkshire Police win special praise from Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Mr Straw says a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary shows the West Yorkshire force has made real progress over the last year in tackling racism and serving the county's diverse community.

The report calls for police to deal more effectively with racial attacks, which has been a focus in West Yorkshire for a number of years.

The report, which looked at police forces across the country, found some officers were still using racist language and behaviour towards colleagues.

More than 25 per cent of forces do not monitor whether ethnic minority staff stay with the force and only a quarter have conducted an investigation into local community and race issues. Less than half test staff race attitudes.

But the report singles out West Yorkshire Police as an example of good practice in a number of areas.

Chief Constable Graham Moore said: "We have done much to forge good community and race relations, but we are not nave enough to think we have achieved the final goal.

"While it is pleasing to get recognition for the efforts we are making, we are certainly not complacent. It's a rolling programme."

In Bradford, the Bradford Alliance Against Racial Harassment has linked West Yorkshire Police, Bradford City Council and the Race Equality Council with other organisations in the community.

European funding has enabled two pilot schemes to be set up on the Canterbury Estate and in Undercliffe to provide local centres where racial incidents can be reported.

Inspector Martin Baines, appointed race relations officer for the district in 1996. to has just returned from a visit to the Mirpur region of Pakistan as part of a 'Friendship Delegation' which included Telegraph & Argus reporter Marianne Sumner.

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