New Mossley residents in Newtownabbey have been invited to a 'Meet the Neighbours' event this weekend.

During Saturday's event representatives of various nationalities and organisations will join together to provide entertainment and information.

The event has been organised by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and is designed to promote inter cultural awareness and understanding within society.

The Executive's Housing Community Network (HCN) has been instrumental in the 'Meet the Neighbours' project.

The Community Cohesion Unit and local District Office have also backed the event.

Resident will met at Ballycraigy Way, New Mossley, in the vicinity of New Mossley Presbyterian Church.

HCN member Agnes North said: "We were really pleased at the response and enthusiasm from participants and visitors at last year's 'Meet the Neighbours' day and so were spurred on to hold another event this year.

"There will be a wealth of information and advice available from the wide range of voluntary, community and statutory agencies also taking part on the 16th, so I want to encourage residents from across the Borough to come along, have fun and 'Meet the Neighbours'.

Jennifer Hawthorne, Head of the Community Cohesion Unit, said 'Meet the Neighbours' is an excellent example of a local community's aim to promote and encourage understanding of the different cultures within society.

"The Housing Executive, through its Shared Neighbourhood Programme, is committed to working in partnership with local communities and partner organisations to facilitate community development and good relations across Northern Ireland.

"I commend the Housing Community Network and local Housing Executive staff for organising this initiative and also the wide range of organisations who have again so willingly agreed to participate.

"I hope that the 'Day' will be well supported by the Newtownabbey community and beyond, and be a blueprint for other areas," said Ms Hawthorne.

(PR/JM)