A SUMMIT on how ethnic minorities can integrate into mainstream society is being held by officials in South Bucks today.

The talks will look at how to incorporate these matters into future plans for services across the area.

Authorities including Buckinghamshire County Council and the Improvement and Development Agency will meet in Chalfont and Latimer today.

Bill Chapple, deputy leader of Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) said:"It's often assumed that community cohesion is only an issue for urban areas, but this is not the case.

"Local authorities in this area have been involved with some really interesting projects, consulting and working with the local community, and we are delighted to have an opportunity to promote this more widely in the sector."

He said the summit will look at possible sources of community tension and how inequality can be tackled by improving services and employment opportunities in Bucks.

Angela Mason, equalities and diversity advisor at the Improvement and Development Agency, said Bucks faced different issues to urban or rural communities.

She said: "There is no one size fits all' approach, and to promote equality in council service provision, specific local situations must be considered."