A UNIQUE event brought together the inter faith community for a "delightful and friendly evening" in Bournemouth.

The Inter Faith Voices meeting, organised by the Faith Links project, saw speakers from across the area's religious and non-religious groups share what makes their religion or world view special.

The event at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue on Wednesday saw a packed audience learn there are some similarities across the beliefs on show.

Speakers, who were limited to just five minute talks, were present from the Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i and Humanist communities.

There were also members from the Jewish Reform, Orthodox and Sephardi, and the Christian Church of England, United Reform Church, Quaker and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints groups.

The event coincided with the national Inter Faith Week, which is supported by the Interfaith Network for the UK (IFN).

Rabbi Maurice Michaels of Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, who is honourary treasurer of IFN, said the event had been a massive success and encapsulated the aims of Inter Faith Week.

"The evening was incredible and it exceeded my wildest expectations," Rabbi Michaels said.

"Inter Faith Week looks to provide an opportunity to strengthen good inter faith relations at all levels, increase awareness of the different faith communities in the UK, in particular celebrating and building on the contribution which their members make to their neighbourhoods and to the wider society, and increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs.

"I think it is fair to say that we have been able to achieve all that the Interfaith Network set out to do."

Hosting the event was a further success for Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, which is currently celebrating its 70th year.

Co-chair of Faith Links Rosemary Brown, who helped organised the evening, said: "It was a delightful and friendly evening, which was very good humoured.

"We learnt how much we have in common."

Bournemouth mayor Lawrence Williams, who attended the evening with mayoress Elaine Williams, said it was such a positive message for the area that faith groups were coming together.

"I've been a strong supporter of inter faith for many years now," Cllr Williams said.

"Before I was mayor, I was cabinet member for equality and diversity, and Bournemouth is such a diverse town, it is a real melting pot.

"It is great to see the diversity come together in one place."