A MUSLIM delegation from Blackburn which met the Deputy Prime Minister of India at Kensington Palace has declared the talks a success.

Led by the chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques Ibrahim Master, the group discussed with Lal Kishenchand Advani issues of current concern, including the current situation in Gujarat after violence there.

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.

The delegation included Ismail Lorgat of Masjid-e-Sajideen, of Blackburn, and Mr Advani was in the UK to meet with Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.