CHRISTIAN and Muslim leaders in Burnley today unveiled a united front in a bid to promote an understanding between the two faiths in the wake of rioting in the town.

Representatives of both faiths decided that more should be done to strengthen relationships following the disturbances in June last year.

Their actions are faith leader's response to the Task Force report.

The report criticised leaders for not representing their communities and assuming leadership roles without consulting their groups.

But in a new show of solidarity, both sides are keen to get to know each other better, understand each other's faiths, cooperate and work together, help and support each other and where possible be involved with all groups and agencies in Burnley that are working to prevent any future disturbances.

One project, which organisers claim was being muted before the riots, will see people of all ages and denominations join together.

Situated next to the Duke of York pub at the heart of where the riots erupted, St Andrew's will be the venue for an initiative that organisers hope can bridge divides.

Visits to mosques and churches are also being planned.

Activities which foster a sense of understanding and bring people together are also being planned and the church hopes to employ two full time workers who can devise ways of doing this.

The cost is estimated at £200,000 and submissions to grant bodies are already in.

The Rev Peter Hapgood Strickland at St Andrew's Church said: "People are very ignorant of each others views, and doing simple things like cooking together can go a long way to dispelling ignorance.

"Realising that we are all just human beings would be a start."

One of the ongoing discussions the group have been engaged in is the problem both faith shave in engaging people, especially the young, in learning and practising their true faith.

Councillor Mozaquir Ali is also involved in the project. He said: "The message we are trying to get across is that religion is about responsibility, ethics, caring for each other and being good people.

"It is about being good for yourself and good to other people."