A LOCAL group is bringing together two religious communities to develop "more understanding and respect" between the faiths.

Nisa Nashim is a network for UK Jewish and Muslim women, which focuses on building friendships based on similarities rather than differences.

The organisation's Wessex group, which formed in 2016, has more than 60 members who attend regular meet ups and participate in charitable work.

Recently the group held a coffee morning, which raised £255 for Macmillan.

Earlier in the year, members came together and distributed free food in the centre of Boscombe during Ramadan, building on the spirit of charity within the two faiths.

On Sadaqa Day - a Muslim tradition of giving to others - the group organised a collection for a local food bank in the mosque and synagogue.

Representatives from Bournemouth and Poole food banks visited and explained the work they do.

From this, Nisa Nashim Wessex has helped at the Bournemouth food bank with stock takes and community action.

Hafsa Badat, the Muslim co-chair of Nisa Nashim Wessex, said: "The group develops more understanding and respect between the two communities, where people have put aside their differences and wanted to learn more about each others faiths by enjoying time in conversation as well as doing charitable deeds, which are central to both faiths.

"They take pride in what they do and they enjoy working with each other.

"It's about believing there is a good cause that Nisa Nashim stands for."

The group have also developed a partnership with Hope for Food, donating to the organisation and committing to working for the charity one Sunday a month.

Lynda Ford-Horne, Jewish co-chair of Nisa Nashim Wessex, said: "I feel so privileged to support this initiative.

"I have always been involved in interfaith groups, but to see how close people can become from different faiths like they have in Nisa Nashim is so amazing."