IN these difficult times of multi-cultural tensions, the need for bridge-building is greater than ever.

And for English cricket to produce sporting heroes with Asian backgrounds is a timely development in which we should all rejoice.

Sajid Mahmood was one of the stars in England's victory over Pakistan at Headingley yesterday - sealing the first Test series win since last summer's unforgettable Ashes triumph.

And Monty Panesar has completed the journey from a figure of fun, with a reputation for dodgy fielding, to a match winner.

Not only has Monty shown himself to be potentially a world-class spin bowler, and much-improved batsman and fielder, but also an engaging character who has won a deserved place in the hearts of English cricket fans.

We have him at the front of our list of contenders to succeed last year's Ashes hero, Freddie Flintoff, as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Well done Monty. Well done Sajid. Well done England. Now let's go and retain those Ashes.

Food for thought

THE appalling hygiene failings uncovered at Riverside Bakery Limited, in Middlesbrough, have cost the company £16,000 in fines.

But the damage to the reputation of the bakery, which supplied schools and hospitals across the North-East, is incalculable.

The company's solicitor, Simon Catterall, insisted in court yesterday that it still made the best bread buns in the North-East - but who will want to put his claim to the test now?

We hope that this disturbing case of negligence acts as a warning to other food companies about the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene.