BOLTON’S first ever interfaith cricket match is taking place this weekend at Deane and Derby Cricket club.

The match has been organised by three faith groups — Bolton Council of Mosques (BCOM), Bolton Christian Community Cohesion and Bolton Hindu Forum.

The 12-over limited-over match, which is supported by Bolton Interfaith Council, will be attended by special guests Cllr Colin Shaw and his wife Dee, as well as the bishops of Bolton and Manchester.

In addition there will be a surprise appearance from a Lancashire Cricket Club player to help endorse the event.

Winners and runners-up will receive trophies, while there will be a man of the match award and medals for all participants and volunteers at the clash.

The family-friendly event will also feature a barbecue, a bouncy castle, henna painting and various other activities on what is conceived as a day to bring communities together.

Ibrahim Kala, manager of BCOM, said: “We hope this is first of many friendly cricket matches and other sporting events, which will open up a dialogue between communities of different faiths in the town.

“We should try and organise as many activities as possible on interfaith basis.”

Rev David Gilbert of St Peter’s Church, Halliwell, who started this concept, added: “I am delighted that people of different faiths are coming together as friends and neighbours for a cricket match.”