A CELEBRATION of the cultural wealth of the North-East was marked by the publication of an ethnicity directory yesterday.

The directory, Ethnicity in the North-East - an overview, is the only guide of its kind in the UK and was launched in Newcastle.

It provides regional information on black and minority ethnic populations including facts on religious and cultural diversity, socio-economic data, as well as contact details for community leaders and projects.

The directory has been produced by the Government Office for the North-East, the Regional Assembly, One NorthEast, Culture North East and the Home Office.

Updated to include new census information, it will be a guide for regional and local government and ethnic communities.

Veena Soni, of the Government Office for the North-East, said: "The new directory helps everyone to have a real and accurate understanding of what's going on in our region. This obviously helps us no end in developing and implementing policies on a local level which are of direct relevance and benefit to our black and minority ethnic communities."

Copies of the directory are available from Veena Soni, Government Office for the North East, Wellbar House, Gallowgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 4TD.