A MUSLIM is to promote dialogue between communities from Blackburn Cathedral - in what is thought to be the first appointment of its type in the world.

Anjum Anwar will leave her current post as education officer at the Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM) at the end of March, and will take up the newly-created job of dialogue development officer.

Canon Chris Chivers, who has responsibility for inter-faith issues, said he knew the move would raise eyebrows, but said: "We are not trying to convert each other, and we are secure enough in our own faith to do this."

He said it is believed to be the first time a Muslim has been appointed to work from an Anglican Cathedral in an outreach role.

The appointment has been welcomed by the Archbishop of Canterbury's national adviser on inter-faith relations, Canon Guy Wilkinson, who said the Cathedral was showing what it is to be present at the heart of the community, and to engage in positive and constructive ways.

The LCM; the Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong; and the North West Development Agency, which is funding the role for two years, have also voiced their support.

Mrs Anwar and Canon Chivers have worked together over the past 18 months in a series of dialogues, and on school twinning projects.

He said the job was created for her because of her outstanding skills, and her experience working at grass roots level.

Mrs Anwar, who lives in Accrington, will focus on understanding between communities, visiting schools, workplaces, churches and mosques.

For the past five years she has worked at the LCM, and in 2005 was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Lancashire.

She said: "It's not a case of anyone diluting their faith. If anyone thinks I am going to become any less of a Muslim that's their problem."

Hamid Quershi, chairman of the LCM, said: "It indicates the level of trust already developed between communities, and can help to take things to a new level."