Sport England is to invest £1m in Sporting Equals, an initiative aiming to help get more people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities involved in sport.

The funding will help Sporting Equals to join activities up locally between sports governing bodies, county sports partnerships and BME communities including faith groups, ethnic media and ethnic businesses

Sport England's Director of Sport, Lisa O'Keefe, said: "Sporting Equals has a vital role to play in helping sport providers to engage BME communities and encourage more people to get involved.

"The Cultural Event and Faith Centre are examples of how their approach is delivering impact in local communities."

BME communities account for around 20 per cent of the population in England and Wales. In London, ethnic minorities make up 55 per cent of the population and nearly 50 per cent in Birmingham.

The investment is part of Sport England's overall funding package for 46 different sports of close to £500m over the next four years.