A postal worker is claiming he was subjected to racial abuse for seven years before he was sacked by the Royal Mail.

Former postman Abdul Musa was at the centre of a major race relations investigation at Blackburn's Canterbury Street sorting office in 2006 and 2007.

But after counter-allegations were made by colleagues, Mr Musa, of Burnley, was also dismissed last July.

No details have yet emerged as to why he was sacked.

After the race relations inquiry by post chiefs, at least five postal workers were sacked and a number of others were disciplined.

Mr Musa has taken Royal Mail to an industrial trib-unal in Manchester, alleging he was unfairly dismissed.

And in addition to his claim, he says he was the subject of racial harrassment at the Blackburn office, since he was hired in 2000.

He has drafted two statements, one 15 pages long and second 73 pages, in support of his allegations.

Royal Mail lawyers accept the tribunal has the power to deal with alleged incidents of discrimination relating to Mr Musa's dismissal process, which took place from January to July last year.

But Lorraine Mensa, representing Royal Mail, said the wider race claims had not been raised in grievances with the company previously and should not be heard.

The tribunal agreed to adjourn the case so the issue of the new race claims could be resolved by employment expert Judge Sherratt, who reviewed the case in March.

Mr Musa may have to give evidence to prove he was entitled to extend his claim back to 2000. The hearing will take place in September.

He told the hearing: "I am trying to give the tribunal an understanding of the culture which existed there."

9:11am Friday 4th July 2008

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