A MONDAY afternoon would normally see Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce in his office preparing for the Whites' next clash.

But yesterday he took time out to visit the town's biggest purpose-built mosque to learn about Islam.

He was attending the second open day at the Zakariyya Central Mosque in Peace Street, Bolton, which was aimed at people from different faiths in a bid to help them to learn them more about the Muslim culture.

Big Sam wanted to learn more about Islam as he has four Muslims in his squad, including new signing Nicolas Anelka.

He even wore an example of traditional Muslim dress as he was given a tour of the building He said: "This mosque is tremendous with excellent facilities - it is a credit to all the people who have put the project together and seen it through. I felt it was important to learn about other cultures."

Imam Rashid Musa said that over Sunday and Monday the mosque welcomed more than 200 visitors.

He added: "I think we should have had events like this years ago and we definitely want to do it again."

Pupils from Sharples School and Smithills School were also given tours around the mosque yesterday.