AN open day at Dudley Central Mosque attracted more than 200 visitors who were keen to find out more about the Muslim faith.

Saturday's event was the first of its kind at the Birmingham Street mosque and organisers have hailed it a success.

Throughout the day visitors were given a tour of the facility and had the opportunity to ask any burning questions they had about the faith and plans for a new mosque.

Mosque chairman, Mohammed Aurangzeb, also used the event to thank people for standing together in solidarity during the recent EDL protest in the town.

He said: “We wanted to be proactive and open our doors to whoever wanted to come and see what great work is done in education, faith, training and developing facilities for the community.

“I was encouraged by the level of interest shown and the support from local people."

Mr Aurangzeb said it was an "enjoyable" event and it was "most reassuring" to receive positive feedback, adding there would be plans for similar events in the future.

Councillor Shaukat Ali, who represents the St Thomas's ward, said: “I was most impressed with the arrangements in view of the short time the community had to plan all of this since the recent march in Dudley.

"It was a fantastic day with lots of people from different backgrounds taking up the community’s offer to visit the facilities and to ask questions."

He continued: "I believe everyone went away knowing a little more information than what they bought with them.

"The atmosphere was very positive and I hope that the community will continue with their efforts in organising similar events in the future to promote understanding and good relations.”