SEVENTY Christians and Muslims came together for the launch of Christian Muslim Encounters in Lancashire.

The initiative has seen Lancaster University working with faith group Global Village and Blackburn Diocese and encourages dialogue between people of different religions.

The event, featuring Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Coun Salim Mulla and Bishop Julian Henderson, took place at Pleckgate High School, Blackburn.

The theme of the event, in partnership with Lancashire Council of Mosques and Churches Together Lancashire, was ‘why do we need dialogue?’ Ali Amla, founder of Global Village, said: “I was pleased to see priests, imams and members of the community attend.