COUNTY religious leaders have set up an inter-faith forum, following complaints that Worcestershire Muslims felt afraid of repercussions after the London bombings.

The Worcestershire Racial Equality Council invited leaders from different faiths to the launch of an innovative forum held at Berkeley's Court, Forgate Street, Worcester, yesterday.

It aims to promote and encourage long-term relations between the people of different backgrounds living in Worcestershire.

Chairman of the WREC, Malik Fayaz, said the idea was formed after many people came to him after the July 7 bombings speaking of their fear, vulnerability and isolation.

He said: "We believe that religious leaders can combine to ensure unscrupulous people do not use religion to make conflict or stir up animosities.

"Religious leaders have more scope than they realise to make a significant contribution to peace-making."

Guest speaker Molana Ahmed, a lecturer at Madina Tul Uloom, Islamic College of Secondary and Further Education in Kidderminster, said that all humans share hopes for more peace, and respect and education is a key part in achieving that future.

Peter Oteng, acting chief executive of WREC, said this was just a small step in a long-term project. A second forum for young people will be set up soon.

The Rt Rev Peter Selby, Bishop of Worcester, and Kidderminster rector Owain Bell also spoke at the launch.