A HIGH-PROFILE mosque may be pulled down and rebuilt to improve its community facilities.

Noor Ul Islam, in Leyton High Road, is currently based in a former video shop, snooker hall, and wine merchant's, and is seeking planning permission to replace them with a single modern building.

While the mosque failed to get through to the semi-final of a recent television competition aimed at finding the best mosque in the country, it was praised by Adid Mahi, the producer of the programme, for its attempts at inclusiveness and reputation for youth education.

Yusuf Hasa, chairman of the Noor Ul Islam (Light of Islam) Trust, said the rebuilding exercise was not to increase the size of the building, but the scope of what could be offered there.

"We want to have a multi-purpose building where we can keep each room separate, so we can have different classes happening at the same time," he said.

There are a variety of activities open to non-Muslims, such as a health clinic, karate classes and talks and debates, while Muslims are offered counselling services, exercise groups and sewing classes, with the sexes segregated in accordance with Islamic law.

The rebuild will be paid for by trust fundraising.

The mosque, which sees up to 500 people go through its doors for Friday prayers, will be opening to the general public during Islam Awareness Week from November 17 to 28.

A free talk and exhibition is to close the week, and will be held in Walthamstow Assembly Hall from 7pm to 10pm.

For further details, contact Noor Ul Islam on 8558 0786.