RELIGIOUS communities in northern England joined forces to pray for peace as a war against Iraq looms ever nearer.
More than 1,500 Muslims, Hindus and Jews joined Christians for a service in St Peter's Catholic Cathedral, Lancaster, in the hope that their prayers might help to avert a conflict in the Middle East.
Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue of Lancaster said the service was held at a "time of great crisis" which could lead to "another devastating war which could bring death and destruction to thousands".
The event was attended by Anglican Bishop Alan Chesters of Blackburn, Rabbi David Braunaid and Hindu Dr Yashwant Shuhia.
Verses,from the Koran were recited by Azra Butt, a Muslim teacher.
