The national number of officers is up 2.1%

Greater Manchester had recruited 12 more ethnic minority officers since June, the figures show, while Lancashire had five extra and West Yorks had added nine.

A report led by community relations expert Ted Cantle into the summer riots last week made 67 recommendations to help avoid a repeat of the violence.

More recruits from ethnic backgrounds were required, as well as diversity training for other officers, it said.

Home Office minister John Denham said: "The figures show some forces have done better than others on upping the rate of recruitment of minority officers.

Annual targets

"We want to be looking at why some forces are more successful than others, to enable others to catch up and do as well."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said he was confident the force would exceed its target to recruit 25 ethnic officers by March next year.

Assistant Chief Constable Vincent Sweeney said: "I am pleased to see the increase in minority ethnic officers and staff choosing to work for Greater Manchester Police.

"However, we are not complacent and are continuing the work to raise awareness of the force as an employment opportunity.

Future campaigns

"This remains a significant priority for us."

The force's total had risen from 79 black and Asian officers in 1998 to 200, he added.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire police said: "A further recruitment campaign is under way which will hopefully continue to attract people to a police career.

"We are particularly keen to attract more recruits from a minority ethnic background, who currently make up 3.05% of serving officers."

Across England and Wales there was a 9.9% rise in the number of ethnic minority officers, increasing the total from 2,828 to 3,107.

The total number of police officers in England and Wales are up 2.1% on last year - the biggest increase in 20 years.