A SOUTHAMPTON mosque has announced it has been saved from closure – thanks to the Daily Echo.

Religious leaders were left fearing for the future of the Abu Bakr Mosque in Argyle Road, after a gas bill for nearly £19,000 landed on their doormat.

But now members have heralded the Daily Echo a “champion of the underdog” after energy giant British Gas backed down and reduced the outstanding amount to just £5,000.

The original huge bill was run up because the gas company had been undercharging the mosque due to a mix up with calculations.

The mosque, which relies entirely on donations, was contemplating closing because of the bill – meaning 1,400 Muslims who pray at the mosque every Friday would be left without a place to worship.

However, British Gas made the decision to slash the bill after the Daily Echo stepped in.

Mosque secretary Mohammad Khan said: “I’m so grateful to the paper – you are the champion of the underdog.

“When you got in touch, they initially offered us £10,000 and said we could pay it over 24 months but I said we just don’t have that sort of money.

“She said she would have a word with her manager and see what happens – and came back to offer us £5,000.

“People have also been saying they saw the article in the Echo and giving us money – when they don’t even go to the mosque.

“One person gave us £1,000.

“Even John Denham MP got involved after reading about it.

“Thanks to the article, we’ve raised £2,000 in donations, so we’ve only got to find £3,000 now and that is manageable."

British Gas Business said they were glad they had reached an agreement with the mosque.