POLICE officers in Bolton are going back to college to learn about Islamic issues.

Yesterday, 20 officers took part in a two-hour Islamic cultural awareness course at the Islamic College for Boys.

The course, set up by the college and police in Bolton, aims to teach officers about the wider cultural issues they may face while carrying out their job.

Over the next 18 months, it is hoped that all officers, police community support officers and staff in Bolton's police force will have completed the course, which is now a must for all new recruits in the town.

Sgt Helen Smith, who is in charge of training at Bolton Central police station, said: "The aim of the course is to give the police in Bolton a much better understanding of the different communities in our town.

"We hope it will help bring the two cultures together by raising mutual awareness."

Sgt Smith, who was one of the first 20 officers at the opening class, said: "We had a tour of the college's mosque and the teacher explained what happens before and during prayers. We were told about the five fundamental elements of Islam and had a question-and-answer session."

Sgt Smith said it was a good opportunity for officers to ask questions about situations they may face at work and said the course may develop over time to teach things such as basic language skills.

In May, pupils at the college, in Willows Lane, Deane, were given an insight into policing when officers and police community support officers visited. The pupils, aged 11 to 18 were introduced to their local officers and watched demonstrations.

The officers also explained anti-social behaviour, the reasons why they may need to stop and search someone and how they go about it.

Insp Phil Unsworth, neighbourhood inspector for Bolton Central, said: "It is important that the boys and young men in the college know, and feel comfortable, with their local police officers."