A RETIRED Pakistani air vice-marshall made a "flying" visit to Bury to help forge stronger links.

Mr Khuda Dad Khan wants to set up a Pakistan air ambulance system, based on the British model, under the auspices of the Al-Mustafa Medical Trust of which he is a member of the planning and development team.

During his visit he was greeted by the mayor Councillor Jack Walton, and later addressed a packed audience at a meeting in Oddfellows House in Manchester Road, Bury.

Mr Khan retired from the Pakistan Air Force in 1997 after 33 years. He later joined the National Accountability Bureau as director general before retiring six years ago. In his talk, Mr Khan spoke about how a peaceful and caring society might be achieved and described his charity work in Pakistan and the establishment of medical centres. He stressed that Pakistan and the UK must continue to build on their strong relationship in the war against terror. He met civic dignitaries and was presented with memorabilia by the mayor. Following a talk with Coun Roy Walker, president of Bury Air Cadets, he was presented with a picture of a Lancaster Bomber.

Former Bury councillor Mr Khalid Hussain, said: "The air vice-marshall's visit was very important and timely because we have a diverse community that needs to work together cohesively and in partnership."