A SECURITY seminar is to be held for those who run Bradford's places of worship in the aftermath of the Christchurch and Sri Lanka terrorist attacks.

The free event on Saturday morning will bring together experts from the emergency services and Bradford Council with faith groups to pass on tips to keep worshippers and buildings safe.

It will also help launch an increased Government fund that groups can take advantage of to protect places of worship.

Zulfi Karim, spokesman for organisers Council for Mosques, said the seminar will provide practical help and advice on protection of public buildings and the safety of worshippers and visitors.

He said: "In the light of everything going on in the world, this will equip people with basic training.

"We are working with statutory bodies on how to deal with situations.

"Obviously these places have become more targeted but because they are run by volunteers, they are not normally trained."

He said if a Bradford place of worship was targeted in a similar way to the recent attacks, the seminar would train people in what they could do and how they could put the safety of worshippers first.

"It will cover practical steps like 'Run, Hide and Tell' and how to evacuate buildings.

"We are urging as many people as possible to come along and speak to other people.

"We will be launching the new Government fund where you can apply for protection of places of worship. A £1.5m pot will include security measures and there is also a pot for training.

"The community is getting together and learning from each other. It will be like a Neighbourhood Watch for faith buildings.

"Bradford is leading by example."

Applications for a share of the Home Office's £1.6 million Places of Worship scheme will be accepted in July. It provides financial support for physical protective security such as fencing, lighting and CCTV.

Increased funding for the scheme were announced in the wake of the mosque attacks in Christchurch which left 50 people dead. £5m has been allocated to provide security training.

The seminar at the Horton Wing Barn of the University of Bradford on Richmond Road will start at 10am with signing in from 9.30am. It will finish at 1pm followed by lunch.

To book a place go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safety-security-event-for-faith-institutions-tickets-60673623441?ref=eios.