A NEW mosque opening in Sidcup, has welcomed in community guests for the first time.

The Shahjalal Education and Cultural Centre in Hatherley Road, Sidcup, formerly a Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Kingdom Hall, held an open day on Sunday.

Guests, who included Baroness Uddin, the UK’s first Muslim peer, were welcomed by Azizul Hoque Miah, a member of the mosque’s management committee and the imam Hafez Wadud recited from the Holy Qu'ran.

The new mosque will host prayers four times a day, with up to 100 people expected to attend Friday prayers.

It is also hoped to use the mosque to teach children about their religion, their mother tongue and to help them with GCSE maths and English.

Bexley councillor Katie Perior, cabinet member for community affairs welcomed the suggestion the mosque would teach children to live in peace.

Other guests included the borough fire commander Cyril O’Brien, Chief Inspector Steve Murrant from Bexley police and a number of Sidcup councillors.

Thanking the guests, Dr Faz Rashid said: “We are proud to be British as well as proud to be Bangladeshi.”

After the formalities guests enjoyed Bangladeshi light refreshments.