A miniature mosque is to be set up at RAF Linton-on-Ouse after staff turned their thoughts to comrades of other religions.

Although there won't be the traditional calls to prayer from a minaret, the prayer room, which will also be available to practitioners of other faiths, will have prayer mats facing east towards Mecca.

The air base is now about to begin work on the multi-faith prayer room which, it is thought, will be the first in the RAF.

Flt Lt Adeel Ahmed said it was a very welcome addition to the base.

He said: "To Muslims, it's important to have a prayer facility and it makes us feel included and integrated into the station."

The idea came about when Rev Squadron Leader David Norfield took over as station chaplain. He said: "My office next to the station's chapel was far bigger than I needed and I was aware that it was only available for our Christian personnel.

"So I have moved out and we are set to redesign my former office to meet the requirements of a prayer room. We have close links with many Muslim communities in Yorkshire and that has given us an advantage because we are able to call on friends for guidance."

One of those friends, Ishtiak Hussain, the chairman of Armley Mosque, has been to the base to talk about the protocols important to Muslims.

Mr Hussain said: "There are a number of rituals that must be carried out before prayers, including cleansing the body.

"So David has suggested his office because there are washing facilities close by which are suitable for wudu'.

"The room will require redecoration in a neutral colour and prayer mats need to be supplied.

"I have told David that we would be glad to assist in obtaining these."

It is not just Armley Mosque that is offering help. Leeds Grand Mosque Imam, Sheikh Mohammed Tahir, has also offered his expertise as well as items such as book rests for the Koran.

"We are very grateful to our Muslim friends for finding the time to offer such valuable advice," added Sqn Ldr Norfield.

"We now know exactly what needs to be done and work is due to start next week.

"It is important that we provide for the spiritual needs of all our people and I expect to formally open the room for prayer at the end of this month."

By Richard Harris