Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 01 May 2008

RELATIONS between Maryport police and the town’s Easter European community have been strengthened on the football pitch.

Police held a game of football with a team from the immigrant community, followed by a buffet.

PC Steve Brown, who organised the event last Thursday, said he was delighted with it and wanted to get other services involved in something else, like a games night.

He said: “I thought we might have darts and pool and invite the fire service and ambulance people too.

“After a 4-1 loss to the Eastern Europeans, we are looking to get our own back.”

The police team was outclassed by the Eastern European outfit who brought their own supporters to the match held at Netherhall School.

The two teams and supporters shared a buffet meal which, along with hire of the artificial pitch, had been paid for by the Police Neighbourhood Fund.

“We had a quick whip round and our inspector, George Nevins, put some money on the bar so we were also able to buy the Eastern Europeans a drink.

“It was a really good night and we parted as friends,” said PC Brown.

PC Brown said it was hoped that events could be organised at least twice a year.

Maryport police have led the way in coping with an influx of immigrants into the area.

They have employed a Polish PCSO, former fish factory worker, Hubert Wiosenski, 25, who is helping to reach Maryport’s 500-strong Eastern European community.

Police have also started distributing leaflets in various languages around Maryport factories to educate workers about laws in Britain, particularly about drink driving.