COUNCILLORS, civic headspolice and fire-service representatives were among those attending an open day at Keighley’s Madinah Mosque.

The event featured information panels, a presentation, a question-and-answer slot, food and refreshments.

Fred Williams, 93, who attended with his son Roy, said this was the first time he had been inside a mosque and he was impressed by the discipline involved in adhering to the Muslim custom of five daily prayers.

Mosque member Mohammed Sajid said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet people like Fred and to show them around. Many of the people who’ve come today haven’t been in a mosque before.”

Nasim Ashraf, who delivered a presentation, said: “We are trying to deliver the message that God gives us diversity and we turn it into division.

“We have to get back to basics and bring people together. Let’s focus on commonalities rather than on what our differences are.”