TWO community workers are to leave their posts at the Bolton Council of Mosques.

Chairman Tariq Mahmood and General Secretary Faruq Mangera have both resigned to take up positions abroad.

Mr Mahmood leaves to manage a business in Dubai.

Mr Mangera, General Secretary for seven years and a founder member, also leaves for Dubai to become a company director.

The Council also paid tribute to John Shepley, Bolton Council's Deputy Director of Education and Culture, who retired last month.

Mr Mangera said, "John has been a tremendous servant for the council and worked hard with the diverse community to ensure their needs are met. His support to the council and community will be missed."

Members of the Bolton Council of Mosques joined Bolton Council chiefs at a celebratory presentation at Bolton Muslim Girls School in Derby Street.

A spokesman for the Council said, "Tariq has been a great leader, galvanizing the community and providing a great deal of wisdom. He will be a sad loss to Bolton.

"Faruq leaves behind a legacy. He has worked tirelessly for the community and will be difficult to replace.

"He is totally committed to helping people less privileged and has dedicated a great deal of time to ensuring there is equality in all aspects of life, better understanding and harmony between different sections of the community."

Father-of-four Ismail Adam, aged 54, chairman of the Makki Mosque on Eskrick Street, becomes the new chairman of the Bolton Council of Mosques.

The new General Secretary is 35-year-old former vice-chair Maulana Mohammed Adam.

The father-of-three has a degree in Islamic theology and has been involved in voluntary work for many years.