Community hero celebrates Bexhill diversity

Abdul Mukith, who recently toured Westminster Palace and 10 Downing Street as part of a Community Heroes reception hosted by prime minister Gordon Brown, claims there is a growing population of Bengali people in the town, and is trying to raise their awareness of his forum.

He said: "Most of our Bengali community come from Hastings and the surrounding area, but we know there are plenty in Bexhill and Rother as well."

Abdul, who manages the Bengali Brasserie in London Road, was chosen by Hastings MP Michael Foster to accompany three other community leaders from Hastings and Rye on a trip to Westminster last month.

As president of the forum, Abdul has organised events such as a 2007/2008 fundraising drive to help the victims of Cyclone Sidr after it devasted the region around the Bay of Bengal in November of 2007, claiming up to 10,000 lives.

The group celebrate diversity in our society with regular festivals and charity events.

Of meeting the prime minister, Abdul said: "It was excellent. He told me we were doing good work, he said well done.

"Michael Foster then showed us around the House of Commons, which was very nice."

Any Bengali person interested in joining the forum, which currently meets in Norman Road, St Leonards, can contact Abdul Mukith on 07961836949.