AN EVENT designed to bring people from a range of diverse backgrounds together to ensure that their voice is heard has been hailed a success.

Held at St Michael’s Church in Kingsway, the event attracted more than 65 local residents and allowed people to meet and chat over food provided by a local Indian restaurant.

The evening also included henna hand painting, face painting for children and information stands from a range of local organisations including Cheshire Police, Chapter Charity and the authority’s Equality and Diversity and Benefits teams.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the University of Chester’s People and Planet Society were also on-hand.

Organised by local ward Councillor Adrian Walmsley and the Cheshire Asian and Minority Communities Council - formerly Chester Asian Council, Councillor Walmsley donated £385 of his Member Grant Budget for the event’s food, entertainment and venue.

Cllr Walmsley said: “My aim was to bring the ethnically diverse communities living in Kingsway and Newton much closer to the Cheshire Asian and Minorities Communities Council (CAMCC). “The CAMCC is working to ensure decisions taken are based around community needs and that every individual can have their say.”