PROMINENT leaders of Burnley's Muslim and Christian groups have met to arrange visits to mosques and churches for children in a bid to help tackle racism in the wake of the Burnley riots.

The visits will act as an example for other trouble-torn areas including Oldham and Bradford, which have also been blighted by race riots in the past year.

A report of the successes of the Burnley group will be sent to such areas as a blueprint for building bridges between communities.

At the meeting, held at St Andrew's Church in Duke Bar, former headteacher Colin Wills concluded that the visits for children of all religions would be beneficial in the fight against racist behaviour in the town.

Mr Wills, who taught at Burnley's Stoneyholme Primary School, said: "In order to prevent any similar riots we want to work alongside the task force to make a difference in the community."

The Muslim and Christian group meet every six weeks to support Burnley's Task Force and discuss issues in relation to creating a better community for mixed races to live.

The Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev John Goddard, said: "The visits to one another's churches and mosques means steps are being taken to build bridges between the communities.

"We want to encourage both communities to share in each other's religious and cultural activities and celebration, as happens at Christmas. We feel we are making progress to understand each other's faith better, without in any way compromising their own faith."

Deputy Mayor Rafique Malik added: "It is paramount Muslims and Christians unite in Burnley to ensure better co-existence and co-operation."