A Bradford mosque will throw open its doors this week to encourage more understanding of Muslim life.

Primary and secondary school pupils and residents in the city have been invited to take part in a guided tour of the Madni Jamia Masjid mosque and Connecting Cultures exhibition in Thornbury Road, Bradford.

The aim of the event, which has been organised by the mosque with the support of various organisations including Education Bradford, the police and the fire service, is to provide an experience of life in a mosque as well as giving insight into Islam and what it means to be Muslim.

Organisers also hope the event, which will run from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, will encourage people of all faiths and backgrounds to share their thoughts, values and engage in intercultural dialogue while celebrating their cultural differences.

Visitors will have the chance to see how worshippers are called to prayer and how prayers are said as well as learning about the cleansing ritual Muslims take part in before prayers - a process known as Wudu.

A video presentation and workshops looking at Islam and Muslims will also take place as well as the opportunity to ask questions Participants will be able to have a taste of traditional food as well as finding out about Muslim dress and religious songs.

The exhibition will display work by a number of Muslim artists, including models and displays of artefacts, calligraphy and graphics.

Abida Rafiq, one of the event organisers, said: "We already have a large number of people coming, but what I would really like is for this event to represent what Bradford really is.

"People from all different communities and walks of life coming together to listen, learn what our differences are and share that experience - it's going to be brilliant."

She urged anyone interested in visiting the mosque, but unable to make the open day, to contact the mosque on (01274) 667986. "People can arrange another time if they don't have Thursday available," she said.

A celebrating faith' event will take place at 7pm, with speakers including the Bishop of Bradford the Right Reverend David James, Shaykh Andrew Watts and Bradford College principal Michele Sutton.