It has taken a long time, but at last the Church of England has had a rethink, and now agrees that it should allow at least 25 per cent of children from other faiths to attend all their new schools.

It was back in 2001 when the Ted Cantel Report into the race riots of that year recommended that faith schools should allow at least 25 per cent of pupils from other religions to attend.

The government had earlier recommended the introduction of more faith schools, but Cantel warned that to encourage these schools could encourage segregation.

Many enlightened headteachers already allow pupils from other faiths to attend their schools. It is to be hoped that others - from all faiths - will follow suit.

Brian Derbyshire Ribchester Grove Bolton.