THE sixth national Inter-Faith Week was celebrated this week, and events were held around the country to strengthen and mark good faith relations.

This year the event was focused on young people and improving relationships between the generations. In a message, the Prime Minister described Inter-Faith Week as "a well-regarded fixture in the faith calendar". Mr Cameron said: "The week plays an important role in bringing together people."

Many schools hold special assemblies during the week and faith trails exploring different places of worship have been organised in some areas, as well as seminars, talks, and other events.

In Birmingham, an initiative to make the city more welcome to newcomers was launched by the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urqhart. Twenty-five community and faith groups have come together to offer hospitality and local information to anyone in their neighbourhood at least once a week.

Bishop Urquhart said: "These places, which give people a chance to meet their neighbour . . . are an important part of building strong neighbourhoods and a cohesive city."