A JUNIOR football club from Blackburn has played its part in helping to bring the community together through football at a recent tournament.

The competition, organised by Abu Hanifah Foundation Football Club, brought together players from a mixture of faiths and backgrounds from across Lancashire.

Teams from Blackburn and Darwen, Preston and Manchester joined to celebrate Interfaith Week and to raise money for Human Appeal to help the current refugee crisis sweeping across Europe.

One team competing in the tournament consisted of players from Eritrea, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Albania and the UK.

All 16 teams fought respectfully to get through the group and knockout stages.

The final saw the club sponsor Lance Mason Solicitors facing the Preston Interfaith team.

After a fast flowing game of football, Lance Mason Solicitors scored three goals in quick succession to see them crowned champions of the second Football Unites event . Awards and trophies were presented by Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith forum.

Secretary Derek Estill said: “The work being carried out by Abu Hanifah Foundation in Blackburn is exemplary especially at a time when we all need to come together and unite. “Our prayers and thoughts are with all those who were affected with the attacks in Paris. We urge all people to redouble their efforts to show love and respect for each other and to work for peace by breaking down barriers of fear, mistrust and ignorance.

“The Football Unites event is a wonderful example of communities and organisations coming together”.

Lancashire Council of Mosques chairman Abdul Hamid Qureshi added: “Football Unites is a great example of how people from different faiths and backgrounds can come together in Lancashire. “We must all endeavour to develop love, peace and respect in our communities.”

The event was supported by the Football Supporters Federation and 24/7 Home Rescue. A total of £1,000 was raised for Human Appeal.