A MOVING account from a black Bolton man who has suffered racial abuse since childhood helped to launch a scheme to help the victims of harassment in Bolton yesterday.

Organised by Bolton Racial Equality Council, the Bolton Racial Harassment Project has been given funding by the Lottery.

BREC has appointed a racial harassment officer who has already dealt with 31 incidents of harassment since September.

Sail Khan Suleman's key tasks are to provide support to victims and monitor action taken. He will also try to increase the confidence of communities to come forward and report incidents. Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council and Victim Support are also involved in the scheme. At the launch at the Friends Meeting House, there were speeches from the Mayor, Cllr Peter Finch, housing chairman, Cllr Noel Spencer, and Chief Superintendent Mel Pelham, head of Bolton police.

Phil Jackson, who grew up in Bolton, gave a moving speech about how he has suffered from racist taunts. "My first recollection is of being in a pram and of kids putting worms in next to me. I remember the same kids calling me names that included Paki, Sambo and Golliwog." Things were no different for Phil at work either. "I was the only black employee. I was made to feel different. In the canteen I had to endure racist jokes which were directed at me."

BRHP have set up three advice surgeries - at Sunninghill School, Farnworth CAB and Hibbert Enterprise Community Centre. For more information, contact the Bolton Racial Equality Council on 528087.

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