NORTH Yorkshire Police has been told it must "walk the walk" as well as "talk the talk" if it is to help stamp out racism inside and outside the force.

Clive Morris, vice-president of the National Black Police Association, made the call at the launch of the North Yorkshire Black Police Association (NYBPA) held in York yesterday.

He said the group - the 36th branch to be set up - must get the resources it needs to support officers and staff from ethnic minorities.

The launch, at the Tempest Anderson Hall, in the Museum Gardens, also heard from NYBPA chairman Manzoor Mohammed, a detective constable serving with York CID, North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable David Kenworthy and Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby.

Mr Kenworthy has said he hoped the formation of the NYBPA would encourage more people from ethnic minorities to join the force.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, April 12, 2002