MANCHESTER will host an international conference for black and Asian police officers for the first time in the event's 24-year history.

The National Black Police Association (NBPA) will hold its international training and education conference in Manchester between August 7 and 11.

It will be the first time the event has been held outside of America and hundreds of delegates from across the world are expected.

The five-day event has been organised jointly by the American and United Kingdom arms of the NBPA and Greater Manchester Police's Black and Asian Police Association. A highlight of the conference is expected to be a march by hundreds of uniformed black and Asian police officers from all over the world through Moss Side.

Although the conference is aimed mainly at black and Asian police officers, it is expected to attract members of other professions, including the fire and probation service. More information is available at www.nbpa.co.uk