"WE need to work together". That was the message from a conference in Huddersfield aimed at strengthening race relations in the face of terrorist attacks.

The event at the Hanfia Institute in Bentley Street, Lockwood, on Saturday attracted more than 100 guests.

It featured MPs and other community leaders.

The conference, entitled A Call for Unity and Understanding, featured speeches from Muslims and non- Muslims. It examined how to move forward from the attacks in London on July 7, when over 50 people died.

Two of the bombers were from our area. Mohammed Sidique Khan was from Dewsbury, and Jermaine Lindsay was brought up in Rawthorpe.

Dr Nasim Hasnie, chairman of Huddersfield's Interfaith Council - which is comprised of leaders of different religions - made it clear that all religions, including Islam, were against the bombings.

He added: "Mass murder is a crime against humanity. It is a crime against religion. It is a crime against nationality and a crime against identity."

Burnley-born Muslim and Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik has been at the forefront of efforts to highlight normal Muslims' views on the terrorist attacks.

In a passionate 10-minute speech Mr Malik, who was elected just 10 weeks ago, said the terrorists' plot to divide people was failing. Recent events had brought communities together.

He added: "Profound changes bring profound opportunities. This is perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Mr Malik said radicalism which used violence, be it terrorism or the far-Right, should be pushed to the fringes and then pushed off altogether.

Speaking to the Examiner after the meeting he said he was pleased to see the number of young people who had attended the meeting.

Jermaine Lindsay was just 19 when he killed himself and 25 other people on the Kings Cross Tube.

Mr Malik added: "This shows we can get the message to the right people. The young people will go and tell their peer group and the message will filter through."

Mr Malik said people needed to get to know their neighbours and to be part of their community.

He added: "People want to come together. It's a great country. You feel privileged to be born here.

"In other parts of the world they probably think `What are they on?'

"But in Britain we are not about lynch mobs or a blame culture.

"It is the little things that we can do that can change things."

* A Muslim councillor told the conference that young people were the future to tackle the "cancerous growth" of extremism.

Mehboob Khan, leader of the Labour group on Kirklees Council, said there needed to be changes to avoid further isolating young Muslims.

Clr Khan, the only Muslim leader of a political group on any council in the UK, said: "I believe that from this ordeal everyone will come out stronger, more united and resolved to make Britain safer for all.

Speaking directly to Muslim leaders he added: "You have tried to deliver a very good service and put in a lot of effort and time.

"But we need to take stock.

"Two-thirds of British Muslims are below the age of 35 and 50% are below the age of 25. I don't see anyone below the age of 25 on the committee of any mosque."

Clr Khan said changes to include the youth and women would help tackle the "cancerous growth" of extremism.

He said: "Today should mean the beginning of a radical change in our community, not just in Huddersfield but in the UK.

"We can't expect others to learn about Islam unless we make the effort to learn about other faiths."