Islam has hit the headlines as a result of last year's terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, but Winchester Muslims say they have met with understanding and tolerance.

Abdul Kayum, from the Winchester Muslim Cultural Association, said the September 11th tragedy prompted interest in a religion which he said was construed by the media to drive people to terrorism.

"It has made people question Islam and research Islam. The main focus of Islam is peace, and Islam means submission to God. It's really an inner, personal relationship with God and, if anything, people are now more understanding of our aims.

"People see that the majority of Muslims are peace-loving, and share many basic beliefs with Christians and Jews."

He added it was important to remember that many Muslims also lost their lives in the attacks.

"A Muslim who lost his brother, also a Muslim, on September 11th came to pray with us in Winchester before going on to America. It was, after all, the World Trade Center."

He said in the last year the association, which brings together a community of about 300 Muslims around Winchester, has been involved in a great deal of outreach work.

"We have been going into schools in the area, such as Winnall Primary School. They teach religious education, and part of that is to teach about Islam. So we went to talk to the kids, and had a fantastic response.

"I was quite amazed by the children. Some of the questions they were asking were very astute, so hopefully we have generated some understanding."

The group has been going for two years, and provides a point of contact for Muslims around the city, who meet at Winchester Guildhall every Friday to pray.

They run language classes for children, in Bengali and Arabic at the WI House in Hyde Abbey Road, Winchester, They aim to provide support for Muslims spiritually, culturally and through education.

"Islam is a way of life," said Abdul. "We are promoting integration - you can be both Muslim and live in a western society. It's not conflicting, but being a minority group is always difficult.

"We are a minority community, but we are fully aware that we are part of the wider community. We want to build closer working relationships with this wider community in all aspects."

The group hopes to open a mosque in Winchester. At the moment the nearest is in Southampton, which Abdul says many Musilims, and in particular, the elderly Muslims, find difficult to attend.

"We hope to start to research and look for a place to have more permanent premises where we can provide many facilities, inclusing a library," said Abdul. "Ideally it would be in Winchester, but it's a major step to take and we are seeking help from many quarters."

He also said teachers who would like to talk about contributing to religious education lessons should call him on 01962 883399.

Meanwhile the group is holding its annual meeting, open to anyone, on Sunday, September 15th, at 2pm in Winchester Guildhall.