A NEW initiative aimed at improving police links with the county's minority communities is to be launched.

Lincolnshire Police is inviting people from minority groups in the county to join panels that advise the force on the work it does.

An event being held at the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford this Thursday will give people an opportunity to join the panels, known as independent advisory groups.

The groups were set up by the Government to be "critical friends" to the police.

Lincolnshire has three groups, one for each of the force's divisions.

Project spokesman David Millar said: "Day by day we are becoming a much more diverse community.

"There are many people from many different backgrounds, but only one police service."

The event in Sleaford will begin at 6.30pm.

Anyone who is interested should e-mail Belinda Wood on belinda.wood99@btinternet.com for further details.