KIND-hearted members of Masjid-e-Noorul Islam Mosque gathered supplies for hampers which were donated to university students affected by the Cube accommodation fire.

The youngsters usually deliver hampers to places such as care homes around the town, but chose to help the students from the University of Bolton following the blaze earlier this month.

Usman Gazra, who works at the mosque, said: “Students of the mosque made the effort to go about collecting items.

“We met up with the management at the Students’ Union and it was really appreciated. They weren’t expecting what we had done for them.

“These people were suffering from shock and loss so we said we’d be more than happy to help with anything. We’d absolutely help out in the future if need as well.”

He added: “We believe in one Bolton, one family.”

The hampers included vital student essentials from food and snacks to cleaning products and other items.

Each of the hampers, which numbered 27 in total, contained a letter from the mosque which outlined some of the reasons behind their donation.

The donations come as part of Islamic celebrations, with Muslims celebrating and commemorating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

The letter reads: “It was agreed between us that the best form of celebration would be by implementing the Prophet’s character of helping others in the community.

“We sincerely hope that you accept our gesture and may this be a beginning of a special bond between us.”

Sufiya Farook, a teacher at the mosque, said: “We’re raising awareness in the community and with our children.

“The kids were made aware of the people in crisis and what they needed. The students acknowledged and were really charmed that some children did it. We usually take them to care homes but we thought it would be a nice gesture to help the students out.”

Sufiya added that she hoped the donations helped people understand that Islam believes in peace and helping others.