Pupils from Ysgol Bodhyfryd helped launch the Croeso project

The 'Croeso' project is an all-Wales scheme to promote dialogue between different cultural and ethnic groups.

An exhibition is being staged at Wrexham's Memorial Hall and public seminars are also being held.

In the last three years, several thousand migrant workers have moved to Wrexham from eastern Europe.

Although no official figures are available, it is estimated that between 2,000 and 4,000 migrants may have settled in the area, mainly from Poland.

Wrexham County Borough Council has been involved in a series of initiatives to protect social cohesion as the population of the town has changed.

The exhibition features artwork from schools in the Wrexham area

In June 2003 there were serious disturbances on Wrexham's Caia Park estate after a dispute between Iraqi Kurds and local people escalated into violence.

Fifty one people later appeared in court and received sentences totalling over 80 years.

The Croeso exhibition also features the life of the legendary American singer, actor and activist Paul Robeson who developed close ties with Wales.

Robeson, who died in 1976 aged 77, was a campaigner against racism and was the first black artist who refused to perform before segregated audiences.

In 1934, he donated money from a north Wales concert to a benevolent fund after the Gresford mining disaster which claimed 264 lives.

The singer Paul Robeson fought racism throughout his life

"We're using the Paul Robeson exhibition as a tool to raise awareness of diversity in Wales," said Menna Jones, the Croeso project co-ordinator.

"It's a starting point to get people to talk," she added.

As well as the exhibition, the Croeso project holds citizen forums to promote understanding across communities. Schools groups are also attending drama workshops.

The leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, Councillor Aled Roberts, believes the initiative is timely for the town.

"Whilst recent changes have enriched the local community they have also created pressures for local services and highlighted some of the difficulties faced by minority and majority communities," said Cllr Roberts.

"Croeso gives us an excellent opportunity to focus on the relationship between different communities."