A former Castle Point mayor has been appointed to the national Commission for Racial Equality, it was revealed today.

The decision comes just months after Charles Smith, who was a councillor in the borough for eight years, revealed he was again battling leukaemia.

Mr Smith's efforts in Castle Point as chairman for the Gipsy Council, an organisation he joined some 17 years before becoming a borough councillor, made him an ideal figure for the role.

His appointment was announced by Home Secretary David Blunkett and the position is part-time.

A commission spokesman said: "Within his post, Mr Smith will be involved in campaigns to raise awareness of race issues and encourage organisations and individuals to play their part in creating a just society."

Published Thursday July 29, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo