BOLTON tonight came together as one to make one simple plea — ‘free Alan’.

This coming Friday marks nine months since Islamic militants raided a convoy near the Turkey/Syria border and took Alan Henning hostage, six days after he left Great Lever in an aid convoy of 20 vehicles destined for the desperate victims of the Syrian civil war.

Since then a terrifying video and an audio clip featuring the 47 year old taxi driver have been issued by the Islamic State and his life is danger, prompting almost 100 people to join a heartfelt vigil for the father of two last night.

Bolton Interfaith Council organised the emotional event at the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCOM) in Vicarage Street, Bolton, at the end of a day in which more people added their names to an ever-growing list of those urging Islamic State to let Mr Henning return home to his distraught wife Barbara.

Among the speakers at the vigil were Rev Canon Michael Cooke, who is the parish priest of several Bolton churches, including St John’s in Bromley Cross and St Columba’s in Tonge Moor.

Rev Cooke said: “Barbara issued a statement (on Tuesday) which ends with the three words ‘please release Alan’.

“Those three words sum up our intention in gathering here tonight and offering a prayer for Alan.

“May the God of peace answer that prayer and bring Alan safely home.”

BCOM chairman Sabir Khan said: “(Representatives of our member mosques) have met recently to express our grave concern at some of the recent events reported in the media.

“We hope and pray for the safe release and return of Alan Henning at the earliest possible opportunity so that he is reunited with his family and friends.

“The extremists in Iraq and Syria claim to be acting in the name of Islam. However, there is no basis for their actions in Islam. Islam is a peaceful religion.”

Sadia Jameel, of Farnworth, is the wife of aid worker Kasim Jameel and spoke fondly of Mr Henning, who is nicknamed ‘Gadget’ due to his love of technology.

She said: “Gadget is not only a close friend, but has been like a brother to me.

“He is a great person, an amazing uncle and everyone’s best friend.”

Guests said prayers and there were further speeches all with one common theme — urging Islamic State to show compassion and let Mr Henning go.