Christians in Ilkley will be exploring Islam to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Muslim faith.

Two groups are organising evenings when anyone seeking to discover more about the faith can ask questions.

The first event is a talk by Gordon and Hilary Browne entitled Living and Working in Pakistan.

It has been organised by the Ilkley Quakers and takes place tomorrow (7.30pm) at the Quaker Meeting House, Queens Road.

Mr and Mrs Browne will be sharing their experiences of the eight years they lived and worked in Pakistan and they hope to help others to understand the Muslim faith and benefit from living in a multi-cultural society.

In Pakistan they taught and developed a teacher training programme, in which more than 500 people participated.

The second event is being held by All Saints' Parish Church. Awais Mogul, a Christian from Pakistan, will lead the session Understanding Islam at the Oasis Caf on Thursday, January 17, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

Presently living in Bradford while her husband completes his PhD, she will be available to talk with people there about their interests and concerns regarding Islam.

The two events lead into a course, called The Cross and the Crescent, which starts on February 15.

It is hoped the meetings will help to build contacts with communities in Bradford.

For more information about the talk by Gordon and Hilary Browne, contact Brian Mearn on (01943) 600806.

For information regarding the Understanding Islam course, contact (01943) 607537.