A NEW mosque is set to open in the city.

The Al-Madina Jamme Masjid and Worcester Muslim Centre, in Tolladine Road, Worcester, will officially open on Sunday, October 1.

Some worshippers have already started attending daily prayers at the mosque, which replaces the old centre in Middle Street, Worcester.

The Al-Madina Islamic Centre received permission to convert the former Great Western Railway Staff Association Social Club into a mosque in 2013.

Nurul Haque, aged 57, chairman of the Al-Madina Islamic Centre, said: "It took us 10 to 15 years to hunt for a bigger premises.

"We started in the Arboretum 30 years ago. We have now got a bigger premises in Tolladine Road. It's 100 per cent better than the previous place.

"We now have car parking, mixed community centre facilities... a funeral parlour, a library and an office.

"Our extra bonus is the women section we can provide. There's a special separate area for women.

"Middle Street was men only. Men could only pray in the mosque because there wasn't enough room for the women.

"We have over 200 worshippers. We were well over capacity at Arboretum - it could only take 120 at most. Here now we can take 500."

Works are still being carried out inside the building but these should be finished before the grand opening on Sunday, October 1.

Members of all faiths have been invited to the opening, which will take place from 11am to 5pm.

Lunch will be provided and two guests of honour, Dr Sheikh Abul Kalam Azad and Sheikh Ishaq Boodi, are attending the event.

The old Middle Street centre has now been sold to the Turkish community in Worcester.