A delegation from Blackburn met the Deputy Prime Minister of India at Kensington Palace to discuss the current situation in Gujarat.

Led by the chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques Ibrahim Master and Ismail Lorgat of Masjid-e-Sajideen the group met Lal Kishenchand Advani.

Mr Master said the talks were aimed at addressing issues of concern to Muslims to promote good relations between Hindus and Muslims in India.

"Hindus and Muslims have co-existed in peace and harmony for hundreds of years in India and I see no reason why this cannot continue to be the case," he said.

"We need the cooperation and assistance of people like Mr Advani in order to achieve this and to this end we found the meeting to be very positive and constructive.

"Mr Advani shared many of our concerns and sentiments and has promised to take back our messages to the government of India and to his party, the BJP," he said.

Mr Master added, "The delegation had the backing of the community and I myself and Mr Lorgat seekd as much advice from as many members of the local community, such as Mollana Asad Madni, before going on the visit."