A YEAR since violent disturbances sent shockwaves through Burnley, Muslims and Christians united to send out a message of hope.

The launch of Building Bridges in Burnley, a project to form an alliance between churches and mosques, was held at St Andrew's Church and Community Centre at Duke Bar, Colne Road, last night.

The church is at the centre of the community affected by the disturbances near the Duke of York pub, which was firebombed last June.

It is hoped the project will promote unity between the two religions and will aim to bring people together in the town, no matter what their background.

Representatives of the town's mosques, churches, council, charities and major figures from the county council and parliament along with members of the local community packed out the church.

None of the three BNP councillors attended the meeting, which was held on an open invitation.

A tearful Lord Clarke, who headed the government task force inquiry into the causes of the riots, said: "Building Bridges is dependent on there being solid foundations, Islam and Christianity share building blocks of love and compassion and tonight we have seen it work.

"Bridges can be built by a handshake over a garden wall or saying hello for the first time to someone.

"I am confident that bridges can be built all over the town.

Later he added: "It is great to see. I congratulate from the bottom of my heart all the people who have got together and made this work." Councillor Mozaquir Ali, whose ward is Danehouse with Stoneyholme, said: "A lot has been said about the disturbances but if anything that has brought us together to increase understanding between different faith groups."

The Bishop of Burnley the Rt Rev John Goddard, described how the Building Bridges initiative came about.

He said: "The disturbances worked towards a discrimination and injustice that was against both the Christian and the Islamic faith.

"Since then we have been meeting in the churches and the mosques and building on the trust between us."

Speeches were interjected with hymns and two songs. Eight-year-old Sannah Shazad who sang Tue Shamerry Salat and 10-year-old Blakees Ahmedsang Kaseeda Burda Shareef.

Walking out of the church, Jehan Ali, Imam of Brougham Street Mosque, said: "It was a very good event. It is a stepping stone for better things."