WORCESTER'S All Saints area could team up with a community in Holland to continue links forged during a recent multi-cultural festival in the city.

A party of children from Alkmaar came to the Faithful City to take part in the Funpac 2001 event, that featured a host of activities embracing a wide range of cultures.

Organisers were so encouraged by the interaction between the visitors and their Worcester hosts that they hope to build a more permanent relationship.

"The event was a great success and it showed us the potential there is for long -erm work in the community," said Jean Kennedy, one of the organisers.

"We are hoping to build a link between the community here in Worcester with our new Dutch friends, as the two areas are very similar. Events like Funpac have many benefits as they not only bring people from all over the city together but also help break down barriers.

"We've had good feedback and it's obvious from people's faces they enjoyed Funpac. When you contrast this with all the terrible reports about race riots in other parts of the country for instance, it's heartening that we're working together so positively. But no amount of Government legislation on racism will solve problems - there's got to be work done at a grass roots level like this.

"At this year's event someone actually remarked to me that just 10 years ago you wouldn't have got people mixing together like this."

Mrs Kennedy said the All Saints area was also looking forward to working towards setting up a community centre.

"Just imagine the work that we can do then," she said.

"A community centre is just what's needed for us to continue to build up the community's strengths and involve those living elsewhere in the city."