A JOINT project by Bolton Museum and Archives has been awarded a £3,000 grant to research cultural diversity within the context of next year's Commonwealth Games.

The money has come from the North West Cultural Diversity Network and the project, which begins in January, aims to create links with different sections of the community, working closely with seven families from different ethnic backgrounds.

A permanent record will be kept on their lifestyles, attitudes, reactions and involvement in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.

Jon Finch, collection services manager, said: "The aim is to create a sense of community involvement with the Games and to keep a permanent record of a unique event."

After the research has been conducted the work will be on show at the museum, forming part of a large Commonwealth exhibition to be held from May to August next year, which will include artifacts and art from several of the participating countries.