Detective Inspector Jeeta Aulak, who ran the inquiry, said: "During inquiries, we liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). This was to ensure that all issues were considered and responded to.

"The CRE were happy with our response and investigation."

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr added: "In the absence of complaint from any of the housemates regarding behaviour - including behaviour that was not broadcast - the CPS has concluded that whilst what occurred was clearly offensive, it was not criminal."

Hertfordshire Police said Endemol and Channel 4 had "declined to co-operate" with their requests for unedited footage.

The production house and the broadcaster told officers they would contest any application in court.

The force said it was decided that it wasn’t in the public interest to make arrests or pursue footage.

Police wanted to speak to six housemates, but two declined.

The statement said: "During the interviews, everybody stated that they had not witnessed or perceived they were victim to any racist behaviour."

Jade in line for mum of the year award - Mar 8 2007
She is not winning any awards for race relations - but Jade Goody has made the shortlist for Celebrity Mum Of The Year.

The disgraced Celebrity Big Brother star sparked an international outcry over her treatment of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on the TV reality show.

And after leaving the Big Brother house it was several days before she was reunited with sons Bobby, three, and Freddie, two.

But Jade has been chosen as a contender for the Grattan Celebrity Mum Of The Year award in a public vote by more than 10,000 people.

"Her big mouth got her into trouble on Big Brother but the nation still thinks Jade Goody is a mum to admire," said a spokesman for the awards.

Jade is not the only controversial name on the list.

Supermodel Kate Moss, mother to four-year-old Lila, and Heather Mills, who has a three-year-old daughter, Beatrice, by estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney, are also included.

And there are two royal entries in the form of the Duchess of York and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Victoria Beckham is another nominee, along with fellow Spice Girls Mel B and Geri Halliwell.

In all there are 20 nominees for the prize, now in its seventh year.

Other celebrities on the list include Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, pop singer Jamelia and glamour girl Katie Price (aka Jordan).

There is no place for last year’s winner, Sharon Osbourne.

Voting continues at www.grattan.co.uk/celebritymum and the winner will be announced on March 15.

Jade and Shilpa in new war of words? - Mar 2 007
Are Jade and Shilpa rowing again? The duo have apparently had another disagreement after Jade said she’d turned down an invitation to the Bollywood star’s home and Shilpa denied she’d asked her.

The 25-year-old told the Sun: "I’ve been informed Shilpa has invited me but unfortunately I have commitments with charities. If the offer is still open in the future I’d like to see her."