DIVERSITY and equality were just two of the things being promoted at a cultural food festival in Trowbridge this weekend.

The Cultural Festival of Food was held at Longfield Community Centre on Saturday, September 7, where food from 10 countries was served in a bid to bring the local community together.

Food from around the world was served, including dishes from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, Lebanon, Palestine, Britain and Morocco.

Festival co-ordinator, Farzana Saker, said she was apprehensive but the event 'turned out very well'.

She said: "People went away from the food festival very happy I think, and the children really enjoyed themselves.

"It was brilliant to see a wide range of cultures interacting, all brought together by food.

"Home-cooked food, like the sort that was served at the event is a lot better than what you'll eat in a restaurant as well.

Farzana, from Pakistan originally, moved to Britain in 1969 and said she has seen a huge change in attitudes throughout her years here.

She continued: "My parents always taught me to not be discriminative.

"I believe we can all live together, peacefully, despite our differences,.

"All in all, the event was worth the trials and tribulations that were put into organising it since last year."

In addition to all of the delicious food that was on offer, there were activities held for children that they could enjoy, to work up an appetite.

Among the free activities was a bouncy castle, henna and face painting, and games run by Active Trowbridge throughout the day to keep the little ones entertained.

Local firefighter crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, who continue to work in collaboration with the community, also joined in the fun.

There was more presence from emergency services as Wiltshire Police local PCSOs were present to engage and talk to the community members.

This year was the fifth Cultural Festival of Food that has been held, and there are plans for a sixth festival in 2020.