AN effort to foster greater understanding between two major religions represented in Bury begins next weekend.

The event, called Harmony, runs over two weekends and begins on Saturday July 3.

Next Saturday (3rd July) between noon and 2pm, four churches will open for visitors of every faith.

They are Seedfield Methodist Church, St John with St Mark Church, Seedfield, St Joseph RC Church in Peter Street and St Thomas's, Rochdale Road.

Refreshments, including halal food, will be served at all of the churches and guided tour at St Joseph's begins at noon and 1pm.

On Saturday July 10, the following mosques will be open at the same times: Noor-ul Islam in Yarwood Street, Jamia Khizra mosque in Parker Street, Jamia Khizra mosque in Walmersley Road and the Islamic Centre, Church Street.

Halal refreshments will be served at all, and there will be guided tours around the Noor-ul Islam mosque at noon and 1pm.

Vicar of St Thomas's church, Rev Keith Trivasse, said: "The purpose is to encourage Christians to visit mosques and Muslims to visit churches.

"In this way they can to learn about each others religions and meet members of another faith."