A TOWN's museums is developing links with people from diverse and migrant backgrounds to develop a new programme.

Middlesbrough Museums, working closely with multi-cultural flagship the Mela, is developing the programme of activities and engagement to reflect the town's culture and heritage and ensure better representations for different communities.

Umar Butt, who has just been appointed as the service's community co-producer, said: "I'm delighted to be taking on this exciting role at such pivotal time in Middlesbrough's history. It's all about developing links with those from diverse and migrant backgrounds - including those from other parts of the UK – to ensure they are better represented through exhibits, programming and other cultural activity."

He will be exploring themes including identity, the history and importance of migration in the town's development and contemporary stories of migration.

Mr Butt added: "We're turning the traditional practice of how museums create their programmes on its head.

"It's a bold and radical approach for our museums, and sends out an important message to Middlesbrough's many communities that this is the beginning of a conversation."

"We are willing and excited to embrace change, and make our museums places for any and many voices and communities.

"It's all about putting the power in the hands of those groups, enabling them to tell their stories and develop their own journey, with the support from Middlesbrough Museums."

Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for culture and communities, said: "This is a really radical move for a town whose very foundations are rooted in diversity and innovation.

"It's an exciting new direction for Middlesbrough Museums and the wider cultural service, and Umar is just the sort of imaginative and creative individual to spearhead such a forward-looking and inclusive approach."