THOSE in favour argue that single faith schools offer parents the basic right to choose where their children should be taught.

The issue has been brought to a head in Lancashire with plans for the county's first Muslim state school, which would be based off Shear Brow, Blackburn.

But it is not a new issue: Roman Catholic and Church of England schools have been around for centuries.

And most people would not disagree that the majority of young people leave such schools with a respectful attitudes.

However, because of the recent race riots in Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen Council, had to be extra careful.

But after months of planning their verdict seemed to be that a Muslim faith school would work without creating ignorance and divisions.

Blackburn with Darwen council leader Bill Taylor said: "They will increase parents' choice and will better meet the educational needs of all our young people. The proposals represent a real way forward in ensuring our younger people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be the citizens of the future in our multi-cultural community." Lord Tony Clarke, who led the inquiry into the Burnley riots, spoke out in favour of single faith schools. And, following his investigation of race issues in the town, he would have been best placed to say whether single faith schools could be divisive. He said: "Many of the youngsters we spoke to in Burnley want to understand different communities better but, they and their parents also like them to attend schools where they won't feel isolated."