A NEW Islamic Centre for High Wycombe got its grand opening to the public over the weekend.

The centre, in St Marks Close, off Totteridge Road, is described as a modern, hi-tech multi purpose centre which can be used for a variety activities.

The centre is intended to be used for daily congregational prayers, educational classes, a youth club and meeting venue and as a resource centre, with courses for non-Muslims.

Hundreds attended Sunday's opening event, which included tours of the new site, prayers and lunches Members of the non-Muslim community also attended, including members of the Wycombe Sharing of Faiths committee.

Ref Shafi, chairman of WISE, said: “It is hoped that people of all backgrounds will visit the centre and help build good community relations, something WISE are fully committed to.

“WISE hopes that the new centre will provide Muslims with a new place to worship, provide children a place to learn and develop, help those in difficulty, give advice to those who need it and build bridges with the non Muslim community with whom we share so many values.”