A GROUND-breaking course run by Christians and Muslims at the University of Bolton will train students to become multi-faith leaders.

The week-long training programme is the first of its kind in the UK and will teach people the skills they need to be a chaplain in a multi-faith environment.

Organisers say the course is pioneering and, if successful, could be rolled out to other towns and cities across the country.

Chaplains are traditionally associated with a single faith and provide help and advice for anyone seeking spiritual guidance.

Training will take place at the university, the Bolton Methodist Mission at Victoria Hall and the Zakariyya Mosque in Peace Street.

The course has been put together by Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM), Bolton Christian Community Cohesion (BCCC), the University of Bolton and Bolton Community College.

Karen Openshaw, who works for BCCC and is the current university chaplain, said: “We really feel this course is ground breaking, it is unique in the UK.

“If this is a success in Bolton it could be rolled out across the country. It could be society-changing.

“The more time you spend with people of different faiths, the more you realise how many similarities there are.”

The course is aimed at existing chaplains and also at those interested in becoming a chaplain.

The Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton town centre and the university all have chaplains, and the course is being supported by the Bolton Wanderers chaplain, the Rev Phil Mason.

Sessions will be led by existing chaplains, as well as leading Islamic scholars.

Students will also get hands-on experience by spending time on placement in existing chaplaincies.

Course co - ordinator, Waleed Shoukat, of BCoM, added: “Chaplaincy is a growing field and there is a lot of interest out there.

More and more people are coming back to faith.”

The pilot programme starts on Monday, June 21, and will be launched by the Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev Chris Edmondson.

For more information on the course call Mr Shoukat on 07885 788178 or Mrs Openshaw on 07837 209182.

For a booking form call 01204 903904 or email sco@bolton.ac.uk