Groups of anti-racism campaigners have rallied in support of Manchester's Didsbury Mosque.

Far right groups and supporters of Tommy Robinson and the 'Democratic Football Lads Alliance' had planned a protest outside the mosque. 

A united response to oppose them by Stand Up to Racism and Unite Against Fascism brought together local residents, trade unionists, and councillors who joined those who pray at the mosque in an expression of unity and solidarity.

'Thank you very much to all of you who have come out to support the mosque today.  That people are here who are non Muslim shows that we will all stand with each other against racism and fascism, and against terrorism,' said one of the sisters who worships at Didsbury Mosque.

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Pictures: @Manchester_SUTR Manchester Stand Up To Racism

Speaking for the first time in public another sister explained: 'The reason I am here is to give the a message.  If you come to our Mosque, if you come to our Synagogues, if you come to our Gurdwaras, if you come to our Temples.  Then we will be there.  No exceptions.  Together.  All of us.'

Ameen Hadi, secretary of trade union UNISON'S Black Members North West Group said "The reason there has been a spike in hate crime against Muslim women in the last few weeks is because of Boris Johnson.  He is to blame for what's going on.

"The far right think they can capitalise on this.  They try to blame Muslims for everything. 

"We have to expose their lies.  Terrorism has no religion and no creed.  We all know that grooming is a serious problem.  But we know that paedophilia and sex abuse can not be reduced to one race, or to racism.  They are trying to demonise Muslims in society, just as Jews were demonised in the 1930's."

'Islamophobia and anti-Semitism comes from the same source and must be opposed' said Jewish anti-racist campaigner Robert Lizar.  'Today we came together to show fascists that we will stand together.'

Labour Councillors Rabnawaz Akbar and Yasmin Dar were joined by the Didsbury Lib Dem Councillor Richard Kilpatrick at the rally.

'We have turned out in force here today.  That is why the racists and fascists are not here, ' said co chair of Manchester Stand Up to Racism Rabnawaz Akbar.

Paul Jenkins of Unite Against Fascism said 'Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism, working with the trades unions and others, will continue to mobilise against the fascists and the far right wherever they try to organise.'