THE supreme leader of a worldwide Muslim group visited Halesowen on Sunday to open a new £600,000 mosque and community centre in a former Methodist Church.

His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, led prayers at the Baitul Ghafoor, in Long Lane, during the opening ceremony, attended by civic dignitaries including the town’s MP James Morris and Dudley Mayor Councillor Michael Evans.

The conversion of the former chapel, which closed in 2009, was paid for by voluntary donations by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community As a symbol of the community's loyalty to Britain and commemoration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, children waved union flags and recited poems, and cheques were presented to the mayor’s charities. His Holiness also planted a tree in the mosque grounds.

Local Ahmadiyya Muslim Association president Dr Massod Majoka said: "The opening was both an exciting and emotional event, as the members who sacrificed so much for the mosque were finally able to see their dream realised.

“The inauguration of Baitul Ghafoor also represents our ongoing commitment to build bridges between communities and to strive for peace, and it was wonderful that the Mayor of Dudley, James Morris MP and other local leaders were there to express their support.

“It was such an immense honour that His Holiness also graced the occasion with his presence and prayers."