AN event that got Worcestershire's Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews and Hindus talking has been hailed a success.

Representatives from all the county's faiths were welcomed to the inaugural annual meeting of the Inter-Faith Forum in Worcester.

Guest speakers at the event, which was chaired by Canon Owain Bell, included Dr Sajid Riasat, from Tallow Hill mosque, Worcester; Natu Petal, a city Hindu; and the former Bishop of Manchester Christopher Mayfield.

Each spoke about the unity of their faiths, understanding each other and staying firm in their beliefs.

Mr Petal said: "We want to promote the understanding of one another. For us to be able to work together in all faiths would be a wonderful thing."

Among the many issues discussed was giving young people from local schools and universities the chance to learn more about different faiths.

Dr Riasat said he had become aware of the group while speaking at seminars to help people understand Islam.

"It is beneficial for all citizens of Worcester to understand what everyone believes," he said.

He said he was keen to get the Inter-Faith Youth Forum moving so they could engage young children with the different religions around them.

One of the delegates, Logan Mailvaganam, race and diversity officer for the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership, said he believed the forum would be invaluable to its work.

"Sometimes when people become mentally ill, they use religion to cope," he said. "It's understanding they need, and we can put them in touch with the forum to help with their questions."

The idea for the group came after the London bombings of July 2005, when church leaders realised they needed a united response from all faiths.

Forum members believe it has allowed them to respond more quickly, and encouraged their communities to work together more closely to create a society who can share values and have mutual respect and understanding.