REPRESENTATIVES from the town's faith groups united to feed the homeless at YMCA Warrington as part of a national campaign aimed at increasing understanding between people from a range of backgrounds.

Figures from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Mormon and Sikh groups each brought a selection of dishes to the charity's Winmarleigh Street base last Wednesday, November 16.

The event, which formed part of the Interfaith Week programme, presented an opportunity for different faith members to join forces to share and exchange views.

Afthkar Quayyum, chairman of Warrington Council of Faiths, said: "As part of the celebrations marking Interfaith Week up and down the country we thought it would be wonderful if we could all get together offering foods from all over the world to the people who regularly attend the YMCA centre for what is their main meal of the day."

Mayor of Warrington Cllr Faisal Rashid was also in attendance.

He said: "Events like this are vital to bring the community together and I will do all I can to continue supporting them. It is great to see the Council of Faiths supporting the YMCA, especially at this time of year.

"Let's not forget our most vulnerable people in our town – we need to help them as much as we can."

YMCA manager Susan Blyth delivered a speech towards the end of the night to thank the faith groups for their support.

She said: "We shared lovely food and great company this evening and would like to say thanks to everyone for that. It is all about different people from different faiths coming together to get to know each other."

Members from the Mormon faith group said it was 'wonderful to come together' to serve at the YMCA to 'chat to people about their individual lives'.

They added it 'is a joy to make a difference by kind and simple acts'.

Interfaith Week is aimed at increasing awareness of the different and distinct faith communities in the UK, in particular celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods.

It is also centred around improving the understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs.

The week in England, which ran from November 13 to November 20, was led by the Interfaith Network for the UK.

For further information visit interfaithweek.org/about