A SCHEME which brings ethnic minority and faith groups together through football has won praise from government minister and Bolton MP Ruth Kelly.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government visited Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium to see how the club's Unity in Diversity project is helping to integrate youngsters from different backgrounds through the sport.

The scheme offers coaching at the club's football academy and within communities in Bolton.

The club recently appointed Abdul Basit as football's first community cohesion officer. He is dedicated to promoting the project throughout the town.

Ms Kelly met youngsters from Starting Point School in Astley Bridge, which provides young children from overseas with basic orientation lessons before they enter mainstream schooling.

She said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to commend the work Bolton Wanderers, in partnership with other local groups, is doing with Bolton's diverse communities.

"Creating a common vision and sense of belonging for all communities is a vital element in building a cohesive society and football clubs are ideally placed to play an active role in this process.

"It is heartening that Wanderers takes its responsibilities to its local communities so seriously."