GOVERNMENTS across the world spend fortunes every year on think tanks, consultants and surveys about how to improve race relations.

But the solution is much simpler than that according to Ros Green, who is putting on the second annual Polish Arts Festival in Southend.

“If people sit down and have a beer together and some food, then they realise they’re not that different and get along much better,” she says. “At festivals like this, people learn to appreciate each other more in a positive environment.

The festival runs from tomorrow to Sunday and features Polish food, music, art and film.

The aim is to foster relationships between the two communities in the town. The event has been organised by Hungry Arts along with Southend Council, 30 Bird Productions, Metal, Focal Point Gallery and the local Polish community.

Ros, who works for Hungry Arts, a not-for-profit organisation based in Suffolk, added: “At festivals like this, people learn to appreciate each other more in a positive environment.

For more information go to www.polishartsfestival.co.uk