MORE than 100 people including leading councillors, the borough's police chief and representatives of many religions attended an interfaith conference at the Sikh temple in Grays today (Friday, 13 November).

The gathering, organised by local councillor Qaisar Abbas, was endorsed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of Conservative Party.

Mr Burnham sent a message saying: "Bringing people of different faiths and beliefs together does so much to build understanding, strengthen friendships and nurture a shared sense of belonging.

"Interfaith dialogue plays a vital part in creating close knit communities where people treat each other with kindness and respect and work side by side towards common goals.

"My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has helped to organise this conference for their dedication to bringing communities together across Thurrock."

Mr Hollinrake said: "This conference has become a valued fixture in Thurrock and Essex more broadly.

"That is a credit to Cllr Qaisar Abbas who worked hard to bring it about, as well as to every faith leader, police officer, elected representative and volunteer who has given their time to it.

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"Our country is strongest when people of different faiths and backgrounds meet as neighbours. That means speaking honestly, listening generously and working together for the good of the community."

CI Danny Barnes and offers discussed policing across communities

Among those taking part were borough police chief CI Danny Barnes and the deputy leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Alan Benson. also prominent was Tunde Ojetola, formerly a director of the now defunct Black Ethnic Minority Community (BEM) group, but still a strong voice for Thurrock's African community.