PEOPLE from dozens of different countries gathered to celebrate the first anniversary of the One World Rainbow Social club - revealing just how multi-cultural Worcester has become.

Around 100 people representing countries as diverse as Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Africa, Bangladesh and Portugal donned traditional clothes and ate exotic foods at the Fairfield centre, off Fairfield Close, Brickfields. The group promotes good relations and also understanding between people of different cultures and faith in the city

Jean Kennedy, who set up the group, said the past year had gone very well in providing isolated ethnic minorities a stage to meet others and for others to learn about them.

A series of English conversation classes, computer classes as well as other adult education provision had helped people to adapt to life in Worcester.

"The group's future looks very exciting and bright," said Mrs Kennedy.

"It is a good way of sharing other cultures and appreciating different cultures and that is really important.

"But that is also what I am finding difficult to get over to people. This group is not just for ethnic minority people but also white people."

She said the future for the group includes plans to work with University College Worcester, which is looking to celebrate diversity in the community, and increasing the numbers involved with the group.

"We could do with some more financial support to pay for child care and the use of a minibus to transport people to and from meetings since they come from all corners of the city," added Mrs Kennedy.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the group can contact Mrs Kennedy on 01905 22514.