Asian and black youngsters in land-locked Bradford are being encouraged to take to the high seas in a new recruitment drive by the Royal Navy.

Bradford Racial Equality Council's former chairman Balbir Singh was invited on board HMS Invincible, based at Portsmouth.

He now hopes the Royal Navy will stage a special presentation in Bradford to highlight opportunities open to young people.

Mr Singh said the tour included a helicopter ride to the ship, which is famous for its action during the Falklands conflict, and an inspection of the vessel and the Harrier jump jets on board.

"I saw only one Asian face but I didn't have time to talk to him because they were so busy. They asked me why youngsters are not coming forward.

"I said it could be racism in the workforce or that they are not aware of the opportunities."

He told the T&A that he was keen for young people in this area to think of a career with the Royal Navy, despite its usual associations with the coastal cities rather than Bradford.

Commander Keith Manchanda MBE, of the Royal Navy's recruitment arm, said only one per cent of the force was made up of people from the ethnic minorities even though they made up seven per cent of Britain's population.

He said Bradford, with its high numbers of Asians and high unemployment, made it an important location for recruitment drives.

"Bradford is landlocked. We can't bring a ship in there. So what we are trying to do is as much activity as we can in that area."

T&A Opinion

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