Head teachers, church leaders and representatives from councils and the emergency services have been invited to a conference to learn more about Islam.

Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association hopes Sunday's conference will dispel myths about the faith which it says have grown in recent years.

"We have had problems with people linking Muslims to terrorism," said spokesman Ejza Aslam.

"It is creating an atmosphere of fear among the younger generation."

This year's conference, at the Woodville Halls in Windmill Street, Gravesend follows an inaugural event last year, attended by 400 people.

'Faith for peace'

The agenda includes a recital from the Koran of the basics of the faith and a section on women in Islam.

There will also be contributions from Kent County Council, the police and fire and rescue service and Gravesham Borough Council.

"Our main concern is that every time you hear or read about the faith of Islam in the national press there seem to be negative connotations," said Gurvinder Sandher, of North West Kent Race Equality Council.

"What we are looking to do is explain that 99.9% of the Muslim community here in Britain and the world are against terrorism.

"It is a faith for peace."

Diversity manager for Kent Police, Kulbir Pasricha, said the force was delighted to support the event.

"We in North Kent consult with the communities on a regular basis," she said.

"Linked to this event, we do local training workshops for officers and police staff which enables the officers to have a better understanding of culture and religion."

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