PRESTON'S Muslim community is aiming to raise as much money as possible for the town's hospital in a bid to build bridges between different communities.

The Preston Muslim community Stealth Station Appeal, based in the town, wants to raise £20,000 toward the Royal Preston Hospital's appeal for a state-of-the-art operating system to make brain surgery safer.

The appeal has been organised by members of Al-Ansaar Welfare and Education, Hardcastle Road, Preston, in a bid to increase patient care facilities at the hospital.

All Muslims are being asked to donate what they can and Mohammed Farook Kazi, Imam (religious chief) of Salaam mosque, Fulwood, says the whole of the community will benefit from the project. "As Muslims living in Britain, it is imperative we show our Islamic values to non-Muslims," he said.

"At a time when racial tension is high and Islam and Muslims are under the spotlight internationally this would create much needed respect for our community."

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

Mr Kazi added: "Every single mosque is involved and we want people from neighbouring towns to take part because everyone will benefit."

The Royal Preston Hospital aims 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 across Lancashire.

Postal donations can be made by cheque, payable to the Al-Ansaar Stealth Station Appeal, to Al-Ansaar Welfare and Education, 14 Hardcastle Rd, Preston, PR2 3DL.

Alternatively, people can make a donation direct into the Al-Ansaar Stealth Station Appeal bank account at HSBC bank Fishergate, Preston, sortcode: 40-37-25 and account number: 02590115.

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