An Islamic teaching centre has been backed by councillors.

The "Madrasah" which operates from two homes in Nugent Road, Great Lever, teaches young Muslim children about their faith and the dangers of extremist thinking.

It is already used by around 35 youngsters but has now been given retrospective planning permission by Bolton Council's planning and highways committee.

The temporary permission, granted until the end of the next year, will allow 50 children to attend between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Saturday, to be taught by four adults. The upper floors will remain homes.

Thirteen residents objected to the plans, while highways officials and police also warned of increased parking problems.

Sadhna Patel, of Lever Edge Lane, said the centre could create racial tension and that there were enough education facilities in the area, adding: "There is definitely no room for the huge increase in parking and vehicular traffic which this application would create at one of the busiest times of the day."

David Crowther, also of Lever Edge Lane, told Bolton's planning committee: "There are already obstructions with cars parked in front of garages and it is upsetting a lot of the neighbours."

Police crime prevention officers warned the centre could cause "greater noise and disturbance than is generally expected in a residential setting."

However, a 51-name petition backed the application, along with 31 letters of support, with many people claiming the nearest mosque in Grecian Crescent was too far away on foot.

Tassadaq Hussain, of the Aslamiya Welfare Trust, which will run the centre, told councillors: "We will be more concerned with how people conduct themselves as proper citizens and bringing values to them.

"We will teach against the dangers of extremism and make it clear what being a Muslim is about."

Mr Hussain added that the centre would do everything it could to minimise congestion in the area and maintain a healthy relationship with neighbours. He said only four children arrived at the centre by car.

Ward councillor Mohammed Ayub added that the centre could "play a big part in community cohesion."