People from across the borough are being invited to meet with their neighbours as part of the Visit My Mosque initiative.

The Lancashire Council of Mosques is backing the Muslim Council of Britain's campaign, which encourages people of all faiths and no faiths to visit their local mosques across the United Kingdom.

In Blackburn, residents can visit the Masjid e Taqwa in Pleckgate Road from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, September 28, and on Sunday 29 the Masjid Noorul Islam in Audley Range will open its doors to the wider public between 2pm and 4.30pm. 

Noreen Hameed, who is helping to manage the campaign in the Lancashire area, said: “Recent statistics reveal 70 per cent of Britons have never visited a place of worship outside their own, highlighting the need for change in our multicultural society.

"Just as we visit friends and family in their homes, it is essential for communities to engage with one another, breaking down barriers and building bridges of trust and understanding."

"Join us on the weekend of September 28 and 29, as Visit My Mosque invites hundreds of mosques across the UK to open their doors to their neighbours, friends, and the wider community.

“This year's theme, 'Sharing Stories,' aims to foster community cohesion and promote understanding among diverse cultures and faiths.”

Since its inception in February 2015 with just 20 participating mosques, the initiative has grown significantly and now involves more than 200 mosques across the country.

This year, the Lancashire Council of Mosques said it is focusing on supporting the Southport Mosque on Sunday, September 29, which was targeted by racist attacks this summer before residents in the town came out to fix the damage the next day, reinforcing the commitment to community solidarity.