Muslim leaders in Burnley have vowed to do all they can to stop youngsters in the borough from falling prey to extremists.

The pledge came yesterday as religious leaders gathered to condemn the terror attacks in London which killed 56 people.

In a press conference held at Masjid Ibrahim Mosque, Elm Street, Asian Elders said the Muslim community and all faiths faced challenges in the moral and educational development of young people.

Imam Jaehan Ali, chairman of Burnley Council of Mosques, said the new £250 million Building Schools for the Future programme - which will see an overhaul of secondary education in the borough - would help forge links between faiths.

He added organisations needed to provide amenities for youngsters so they do not become disenfranchised and become a target for groups with extremists groups.

He said: "I think education will play an important role and the new state of the art schools to be built which will have a multi faith sixth form centre looks promising.

"Education will play a crucial role and we need to focus on how we can engage the youth in activities and away from other things like drugs, anti-social behaviour and crime so they dont socialise with extremist people."

The Imams of all the mosques in Burnley and Christian leaders joined forces in a show of solidarity against terrorism.

Imam Sajid Hashmi read a statement saying the leaders were sad to have to meet in such circumstances and condemning the atrocities.

Imam Firasat Ullah added the bombings were illegal and leaders wanted to see those responsible brought to justice.

The meeting ended with prayers for justice and world peace