IN a bid to build bridges between different communties, Preston's Muslim community are hoping to raise as much money as possible for the town's hospital.

The Preston Muslim community Stealth Station Appeal wants to raise at least £20,000 towards the Royal Preston hospitals appeal for a state of the art operating system to make brain surgery safer. The appeal is being administered by Al-Ansaar Welfare and Education.

All Muslims are being asked to donate what they can and Mohammed Farook Kazi, Imam of Masjid-e-Salaam says the whole of the community will benefit from the aims of the project. "As Muslims living in Britain, it is imperative we show our Islamic values to non-Muslims.

"In the entire UK is there a hospital, which has been built by Muslims for the benefit of the general public? Imagine the reaction of a non-Muslim entering a hospital or a similar institution, built on the sole contributions of Muslims.

"At this time when racial tensions are high and Islam and Muslims are under the spotlight internationally I feel this would create much needed respect for our mis-represented community."

Already, £9,000 has been donated by Preston's Muslim community through various mosques.

Mollana Kazi added, "Every single mosque is involved in the appeal and we want people from neighbouring towns to take part because everyone will benefit."

The Royal Preston Hospital wishes to raise £400,000 to provide the latest neuro-navigation equipment. This state of the art equipment will provide safer and more accurate brain surgery facilities for hundreds of patients each year throughout Lancashire.

Preston's Muslim community has also raised over £17,000 for those affected by the violence in India of which £10,000 has already been sent to the region. In particular money and provisions were made available for Muslims who are a minority in their towns and villages and have been displaced due to the communal riots.

Any postal donations can be made by making cheques payable to the 'Al-Ansaar Stealth Station Appeal' and sent to 'Al-Ansaar Welfare and Education', 14 Hardcastle Rd, Preston, PR2 3DL.

Alternatively, you can make a donation directly to the bank. Details are as follows: HSBC Fishergate, Preston / Sortcode: 40-37-25 / Account number: 02590115 / Account name: Stealth Station Appeal.