A year after the riots that swept the north of England, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has published a report examining ways to bring communities together.

The report, entitled A Place For Us All: Learning from Bradford, Oldham and Burnley, examines some of the factors that led to the violence.

In May and June last year Oldham, Burnley and Bradford were the scenes of riots.

The history of the communities is examined in the report with practical recommendations to foster good relations.

It is in all our interests to work together to build a Britain where we all feel we belong

Gurbux Singh, CRE chairman

The report describes how Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities in the three towns cluster together in certain areas, using the same local facilities and playing in the same teams.

It also outlines social problems in housing and employment.

The document gives examples of initiatives to combat segregation in Northern Ireland and the US.

Other reports produced following last year's riots include the Cantle report, the Oldham Independent Review, the Burnley Task Force report and the Denham report.

Wrecks of burnt-out cars littered the streets

They highlighted the divisions between ethnic communities.

Gurbux Singh, chairman of the CRE, said: "It is in all our interests to work together to build a Britain where we all feel we belong - with towns and cities we can take pride in, services we can turn to with confidence and opportunities for each of us to make what we want of our lives.

"Proactive measures to promote equal opportunities and good relations between people from different ethnic groups can no longer be delayed."

The report looks at ways local authorities, housing associations, schools, the police, employers and those responsible for regeneration can help build community relations.

Among the recommendations are:

• Britain needs a publicly-funded statutory youth service
• Racial equality councils (RECs) could be used to bring communities together
• The Housing Corporation can help registered social landlords with advice on good practice
• Local schools can encourage mentoring and work experience schemes throughout communities
• Police can ensure membership of crime reduction schemes is made up from all members of the community
• Employers can take steps to attract and retain a workforce that reflects a diverse community