TOWN hall leaders are supporting Bolton's Interfaith Council in calling for harmony within the community as the war with Iraq continues.

With people from many different faiths and cultures living in the borough, they have expressed their commitment to "unity of purpose and peaceful co-existence at this difficult time".

The Interfaith Council's statement, endorsed by Bolton Council leader Cll Bob Howarth and the opposition party leaders, Cllr Barbara Ronson and Cllr Alan Rushton, says: "Bolton is a community of people from different faiths and different cultures.

"The crisis in Iraq and the onset of war will have an effect on every inhabitant of this town but we wish to express our commitment to unity of purpose and to support and encourage everyone to live peacefully together in these difficult times.

"Everyone is entitled to hold and speak their opinions freely but the obligation of the faith communities is to support and care for everyone, to uphold a sense of justice, trust and unity -- working towards the establishment of a truly cohesive community. We urge those of opposing views about Iraq to respect one another and accept differences without anger.

"We express special concern for the Iraqi people, for those with relatives or friends in Iraq, for Iraqi asylum seekers and for members of the armed forces and their families. We commit ourselves to offer whatever support and care that we can."