Members of Swindon's Hindu community will "scrum down" with Supermarine rugby club for a joint New Year's Eve bash.

Party organiser Kay Tanna decided to hold the event to help draw a line under events like the September 11 World Trade Centre attack and the Bradford riots which have led to inter-cultural tension in some communities.

Her eight-year-old son Neilram plays mini-rugby at the club, which traditionally holds an annual New Year's Eve party.

She said: "In the light of what happened in New York and the riots up north I thought a joint party might be a good idea.

"In Bradford they said the communities were segregated and that's why they had those problems. It's important to show in Swindon that we are very much one community and integrated."

Instead of the usual sausage rolls and crisps, the multi-cultural theme of this year's rugby club party means players will tuck into samosas, bhajis and other Indian snacks supplied by their guests.

About 400 are expected at the event, which will include a disco and live music from Faz2 and a bouncy castle for younger guests.

Tickets are still available for the party, which starts at 7.30pm in the Supermarine clubhouse in South Marston. The cost is £12 for adults and £2 for children under 12. Call Kevin on 824630 or Harsha on 644552.