A Haringey mosque opened its doors to the community to help shake off negative misconceptions of Islam.

More than 400 residents visited the London Islamic Cultural Society, in Wightman Road, for the annual open day and were given a guided tour of the traditional purpose-built mosque with a special opportunity to observe prayer.

Real Impact, a Haringey-based youth organisation made up of young Muslims, delivered an inspired presentation on the meaning of terrorism, making reference to well-respected figures such as Gandhi and Nelson Mandela who, ironically, had both been labelled terrorists at some point in their lives.

Derma Ioannou, director of Haringey Racial Equality Council, said: "There was a great turn-out and it was a really good day.

"People really got involved and the presentation by Real Impact was really refreshing. Not only did they talk about the negative impacts terrorism has had on young Muslims they also took a look at the concept of terrorism on the whole. I think everyone enjoyed it."

Tottenham MP David Lammy, who lives in the area, attended the community event as well as Haringey mayor Alan Dobbie and Councillor Lorna Reith, cabinet member for community cohesion and involvement.

It was run in partnership with Haringey Muslim Network and Safety Forum, established in 2005 after the July 7 bombings, to combat Islamophobia.

By Elizabeth Pears