A HALESOWEN mosque is holding a poppy picnic this weekend in aid of ex-servicemen and women.

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor Alan Finch will open the free picnic at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Long Lane, on Saturday afternoon.

All donating proceeds to Saturday’s British Legion Poppy Appeal and there will be exhibitions from the army and sea cadets on the day as well as the police and fire brigades.

Ahmadiyya outreach co-odinater Toby Ephram said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association would like to invite local residents and their families to bring picnic food and join us at the big poppy picnic to show support for raising money for ex-servicemen and women.

“We believe in peace and want all the different communities in this country to live in peace and this is why we are supporting the poppy appeal because of all those who sacrifice so we can live in peace.

“After what happened with Lee Rigby in London we have to come together as a country and show that we are all peace loving peoples in Great Britain.”

He added: “If there are any groups in the area that want to come and set up stall then please come along and do so as we want this to be a real community event.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association converted Long Lane Methodist Church into a mosque last year and are urging local groups to use the facility.

Mr Ephram added: “The police have held PACT meetings in our building and if there are any community groups that need premises to meet then please just ask and they will be welcome.”

The poppy picnic begins at noon and finishes at 4.30pm on Saturday, June 22.

For more information about the association and the poppy picnic visit www.loveforallhatredfornone.org.