The government has promised to do more to support black young men, in response to an independent report on the subject.

The Reach report, which was published in August, said if black young men were encouraged to fulfil their potential the economy could benefit by 24 billion pounds over the next 50 years.

Mentoring is central in the government's proposals. It wants to set up a group of 20 recognised national role models who will tour England speaking to black young men.

Four chairs have been selected to lead this aspect of the work: fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, the winner of the Apprentice TV show Tim Campbell, Met Police superintendent Leroy Logan, and Operation Black Vote founder Simon Woolley.

The chairs will be supported by two pupils from Eastlea Community School and two young advisors.

The government also wants to see local networks of mentors created. These could include youth workers, policemen, teachers, and other community leaders.

Other proposals drafted in response to the Reach report include tightening up the way education watchdog Ofsted monitors race equality issues in schools.

Recent government figures have shown an improvement in the educational achievement of black young men.

Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, said: "Black pupils made the biggest improvement in this year's GCSE results and the attainment gap is closing.

"We must continue to boost the attainment of our young black men if we are going to see improvements in other areas too."

Reach report

Government response