One of Bradford's most prominent Muslim associations has decided to host a peace conference instead of its annual party to celebrate Eid.

The Ahmidiyya Muslim Association of Bradford is to host the conference in response to last year's London bombings.

The association has held an Eid party for the past 19 years.

But this year, the association felt that it would be more appropriate to host a celebration of peace to bring together the city's different faith groups and communities.

More than 700 people are expected to attend the event on Sunday, January 29.

Dr Abdul Bary Malik, one of the event's chief organisers, said: "For the past 19 years we have held the Eid party. It's always been a big event and we have always had a large number of guests.

"Lord Falconer came three years ago.

"This year, after the events of July 7 in London, we decided that rather than hold an Eid party we set up a peace conference instead.

"The event will very much focus on the themes of peace, tolerance and the idea of loving thy neighbour.

"We want to show people that we live today in a multi-cultural society and how we respect each other."

The event is expected to bring together representatives from each of Bradford's faith communities. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Valerie Binney, has confirmed her attendance and many other councillors are expected to attend.

Representatives from the University of Bradford's Peace Studies department are likely to be there too.

Dr Malik said he hoped that the conference would help to show to people in Bradford the true message and teachings of Islam.

"True Muslims know that our religion teaches only peace and understanding. The fanatics who carry out atrocities do not reflect Islam. It is important that we get this message across.

"It is events like this that bring together different people in the city that help to improve community cohesion.

"When we begin to see community cohesion, that is when we will see peace.

"We have really positive feedback about the idea already.," he said.

The conference will begin at 4pm. Afterwards there will be a three-course dinner and people will have time to mingle and swap ideas on how to improve inter-community relations in the city.

Anyone interested in attending the conference should contact the Ahmadiyya Association on (01274) 665233.