A CHARITY group is appealing for Asians in the town to get involved in its work towards fighting cancer.

The Blackburn District and Ribble Valley committee of The Cancer Research Campaign has representation throughout Blackburn except for the Asian communities in areas such as Shear Brow, Bastwell and Preston New Road.

Eric Bancroft, president of the committee, said: "We would like very much to have the Asian community represented in our work, but I am afraid that so far we have not been successful in recruiting from within that community.

"Cancer is indiscriminate and we would like to work with the Asian community in Blackburn to fund-raise to beat the disease."

Mazamil Bashir, who has been appointed to raise awareness of the disease among ethnic groups in the North-west, says statistics revealed that most people from black minority ethnic groups were less likely to seek medical help for cancer - perhaps not until it was too late.

Mr Bashir added: "If the Asian community was to involve itself in the work of the Blackburn committee, it could be a purposeful way of raising awareness among the Asian population in the town about cancer."

Anybody able to assist Mr Bancroft should call him on 01254 813060.

If you wish to raise or discuss issues about cancer then contact Ms Bashir on 0161 772 5555.