A GROUP of Braintree residents showed its solidarity with the Muslim community by paying a visit to a mosque.

Neil Richardson, a retired priest, and his friend, John Jemison, came up with the idea of visiting Al Falah Islamic Centre in Silks Way, Braintree, in light of extremist attacks by Islamic State (Isil).

They gathered a group of ten non-religious people and representatives from Braintree churches, to meet the Imam, mosque management committee and worshipping Muslims at the centre on Friday.

A warm welcome was rolled out by Imam Kashif Ahmad, and the two groups discussed peace and made plans for the future.

Former RE teacher, Mr Richardson, of Notley Road, Braintree, said: “The conversation was relaxed and purposeful and we found the people of the mosque to be very friendly and easy to talk to.

“They have a well-organised mosque with worshippers from a wide variety of countries across the world - in fact they are an international group of people.

“I asked a question about school children coming to visit the mosque and was told that members would very much welcome such visits.

“They also invited us to join them for a Summer Festival Day in May next year when there will be food, games, children’s activities and fun.”

He added: “As our meeting came to a close, we were delighted to be presented with tea and cakes which were delicious and we thanked our hosts for their warm hospitality before all going outside for a group photograph.”

Mr Richardson and Mr Jemison, former headteacher at Silver End Primary school, hit upon their idea after a conversation about violence caused by Isil in Syria, back in March.

Mr Richardson said: “We read that Isil were hoping to create in western countries a growing distrust of all Muslims, which would eventually lead to them feeling isolated and possibly under threat.

“What we found at the mosque was a shared commitment to maintaining peace and order in our world, and a belief that further bombing raids could only provide more support for Isil and undermine our safety ever more deeply.”

Mr Ahmad, who welcomes more than 150 Muslims to weekend prayer at the centre, said: “It’s really encouraging that we can be together as a multicultural society in Braintree.

“We had a discussion about the similarities in our religions and they mentioned the fact they felt the mosque wasn’t forthcoming enough.

“So we decided to send an email to all the schools and let them know about our services and get them involved.

“It went really well and they showed us their support and solidarity.”