Peace march to be held along riot path

Church leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities hope to hold joint healing services along the route of devastation during last July's riots to symbolise the end of a bad chapter in the city's history.

The idea is part of a number of initiatives arranged in the church, education, youth and business sectors as part of the multi-faith appeal launched yesterday.

Talib Hussain, of the Bradford Council for Mosques, said: "We want to send out a peaceful message with a peaceful action. We haven't planned a route but it could start off or finish at the BMW garage."

Children from St Anthony's RC Primary School in Shipley kick-started fund-raising by presenting a cheque for £110 to the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq, on the steps of City Hall.

Councillor Khaliq said: "This is a very important appeal because its message is to put forward a positive image of Bradford and show everyone how we can work together as a community."

Teacher Alex Butterfield said the children had collected the money in assembly after hearing about the conflict in Afghanistan.

It is hoped that youngsters in many Muslim and Christian schools will form "twinning" arrangements and work together on events to raise cash for humanitarian projects including rebuilding a school.

Joyce Miller, of Education Bradford, said: "The beauty of this fund-raising appeal is that it gives people from different religious and cultural backgrounds an opportunity to work together to raise money for a joint project run by Islamic Relief, CAFOD and Christian Aid in Afghanistan."

Arshad Javed, co-ordinator of Asian Trades Link, is organising events among businesses so that companies can pledge money to the fund.

Donations can be sent to the Bradford Afghan Appeal, 47-51 Carlisle Road, Bradford, BD8, with cheques made payable to Bradford Afghan Appeal. For Gift Aid Declaration Forms and more details contact (01274) 481123.