A NEW multi-faith council to build better relationships between different religions has been launched.

The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Council was launched by council leader Coun Malcolm Doherty. More than 60 Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh people attended the event at King George's Hall, Blackburn. .

Coun Doherty, a member of the Church of England, said: "Britain is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world and Blackburn with Darwen has many different cultures who live side by side.

"This borough is a better place because of its diverse culture and the new council will continue much work that has already taken place to forge positive relationships, reduce ignorance and encourage a new community spirit."

Other speakers included the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, the Rev David Rayner, of the Inner Cities Religious Council, President of the Gujarat Hindu Society Ishwar Taylor, Abdul Hamied Qureshi representing the Muslim community and Charan Bhamra for the Sikh community.

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