MORE than 600 people united for an evening of peace and harmony in the Albert Halls last Saturday.

It was the fourth time such a multi-faith and multi-culture conference has been held in Bolton.

And organisers, from the town's Sathya Sai Study group, say they were delighted with what was one of the biggest turn-outs in the last four years. Dr Kanapathipillai Thanapalan, president of the study group, said: "The evening was an overwhelming success and the hall was packed to capacity.

"The event succeeded in bringing everyone together and it's growing in popularity every year.

"It was marvellous for faiths to bridge their gaps and enjoy the night." Admission to the special conference was free and those who attended were treated to a variety of cultural dancing displays.

These included performances of South Indian classical, North Indian Folk, and African drum and dance routines.

Bolton's mayor, Cllr Peter Birch, officially opened the conference by lighting an oil lamp and Bolton MPs Dr Brian Iddon and David Crausby also attended.

The study group who arranged the evening forms part of a global organisation founded under the guidance of the religious teacher Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who believes in the unity of faiths.

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