MUSLIM and Christian faiths united this week to express their shared horror and condemnation after last week's terrorist acts in the US.

About five religious leaders, including the Bishop of Bolton, presided during a sombre Prayers for Peace event at St Thomas's Primary School, Bury, on Wednesday (Sept 19).

It had been organised by the Rev Keith Trivasse, of St Thomas's Church, in conjunction with other local Christian and Muslim leaders.

School headteacher Mr Leroy Taylor, who was among those attending, said: "Each of the clergy gave a talk expressing sympathy with family members who had suffered loss following last week's events in America. "Prayers for peace were offered and the speakers sounded a conciliatory note following the attack on the mosque in Bolton."

He added: "They were trying to draw the communities together so there would be no recriminations."

Meanwhile, members of the public can sign a book of condolence at Bury Town Hall, with other copies available to sign at Bury Museum, Bury Central Library, libraries in Prestwich, Radcliffe, Tottington, Ramsbottom, Unsworth and Whitefield and council offices at the Longfield Centre, in Prestwich, and Whittaker Street, Radcliffe.

Pupils at St Gabriel's High School in Bury are writing their own messages of sympathy for those who lost loved ones during the disastrous events in New York and Washington.

Words of comfort are being compiled in the school's own book of condolence, which will then be sent to the American Embassy in London.

Deputy headteacher Mr Adam Loster said: "We obviously feel very much in sympathy with the Americans.

"We feel at this time that we need to give the Americans as much spiritual support as we can."