A TEAM of police officers who tackle acts of racial hatred have received recognition for their work from the Lancashire Police Authority.

The 12 officers from the Eastern Division Minorities Team in Blackburn were commended for their contributions to neighbourhood policing and the diverse community.

The team support all minority groups in the area to improve race relations, offer advice and support in a bid to reduce hate and race crime.

Over the last year they have detected 26 percent more race hate crimes in the area. Police sergeant John Rigby, Police Constables Tariq Javed, Angela Harwood and Richard Jarram were among the team who were congratulated.

Steve Finnegan, acting Chief Constable of the force, said: "These awards are designed to reward those members of our staff who have made outstanding contributions to our neighbourhood policing teams and to the diverse communities in the county.

"All the nominees deserve our thanks and commendation. Their work demonstrates the successful efforts being made by the Constabulary to deliver locally accountable policing that increases the satisfaction and confidence of the public here in Lancashire."

Malcolm Doherty, chairman of the Police Authority said: "I would like to congratulate all of the officers, winning awards on the contributions they have made to the delivery of high quality policing services in Lancashire.

"With officers of this calibre it is easy to see why Lancashire continues to be one of the best performing police forces in the country."

l Another East Lancashire officer rewarded for their efforts was PC Sue Sanderson, community officer in Burnley's Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, who was given the Pauline Clare Community Police Officer of the Year award.