MUSLIM leaders threw open the doors to a Burnley mosque to boost better understanding of different faiths.

The Building Bridges group was formed to create unity between communities after the town riots and organised the Elm Street Mosque open day to dispel fears and prejudices about the culture.

Mayor of Burnley, Coun Margaret Lishman, was there to experience Muslim prayer and learn more about the religion.

Hamid Qureshi, its project co-ordinator, hailed the event a success. "Hundreds people of all faiths came. We tried to organise a similar event last year but didn't have much success. But we have been overwhelmed by the amount of people who have taken an interest in our culture."

He hopes the event will be held annually to help to continue to develop understanding between different communities.