A DELEGATION of young people from Lowton and Golborne Youth Club visited a Bolton mosque to make a donation towards victims of the Pakistani earthquake disaster.

The youth group raised the money by holding a Love Music/Hate Racism dance music night at Lowton Civic Hall in September.

The group handed over a £350 cheque, which will be used to buy essential supplies for those still suffering in the aftermath of the huge earthquake that shook Pakistan on October 8, 2005.

Lowton youngsters Stacey Molyneux, aged 17, and Deane Pilling, aged 15, were joined by Wigan Council Children and Young People's Services Youth Workers Tony Russell and Merry MacDonald, and Lowton and Golborne Youth Club volunteer Dr Christine Cottam on the visit to the Zakariyya Central Mosque in Peace Street, Bolton. The group was given a tour of the mosque and committee members spoke to them about Islam and their faith.

Stacey said: "The mosque was very peaceful and everyone was very friendly and welcoming. It was a really interesting experience and it was great to find out more about the Muslim religion, as I'd never been in a mosque before and I've not had much contact with people who believe in Islam."

Zakariyya Central Mosque Vice-Secretary Iqsassi-ul-Haq Patel said: "I went to Pakistan earlier this year and the situation is still extremely difficult for many people, particularly in rural areas. The efforts of these young people are commendable and we are grateful for their contribution to the cause."

A year after the earthquake struck northern Pakistan, more than 1.8 million survivors face a second winter in makeshift shelters and tents, Oxfam International said.