Leading figures from the Christian and Muslim communities are hopeful a last ditch effort could be made to avoid a war in Iraq.

The matter was one of many discussed when Christian church dignitaries were given a guided tour of the Shah Jala Mosque, Temple Row, last Friday.

The Rev Peter Mott, priest-in-charge at Keighley Shared Church, reassured his hosts there was no animosity between the two faiths.

He said: "Christian church leaders in Bradford and Keighley are totally opposed to war.

"It is the United States and United Kingdom governments against the Iraqi government, and not Christians against Muslims," he added.

"I still pray and hope that war can be avoided."

Imam Mohammed Fokhrul Islam said: "We all totally agree with this. And so it seems does most of the world."

Also discussed were ideas for the Bangladeshi Acid Survivors Trust.

It was Rev Gordon Webb's idea to set up the joint project between the church and mosque, one of whose members first saw the plight of women who were victims of acid attacks in Bangladesh.

He said: "We are aiming to raise money to send aid and to help pay for British plastic surgeons to help these victims."

He said women have had acid thrown in their face by men who have their offers of marriage turned down.

He added the project had gathered widespread support in Keighley, from the Shared Church, Bangladeshi Community Association, Domestic Violence Service and Keighley Women's Centre.

Friday's tour of the mosque was arranged after Mr Webb, superintendent minister of Keighley and Worth Valley Circuit of the Methodist Church, asked about going to see the old Methodist Church.

The building was used as a Methodist Church until 1974, when it was sold to the council. As a listed building it could not be knocked down and lay empty until 1981 when it was bought by the Bangladeshi Islam Association.

Mr Webb said: "The Methodist Church is glad that the building is still being used by people of faith. We are glad it has not been turned into a carpet warehouse or bingo hall. This is something worthwhile and it is reassuring to us."

The mosque is now used by about 100 people for regular prayers and up to 200 for religious festivals. It also has a full certificate from Clarence House, in London, to hold religious wedding ceremonies.

And about 100 children come for Madrasa to learn about Islam, Arabic and other religious duties.

Other distinguished guests were the Rev Martyn Pinnock, vicar at St Stephen's Church, Steeton, and the Rev Heather Pollard, minister at Denholme Edge Church, Riddlesden United Reformed Church and Trinity Church, Fell Lane.