9:30am Friday 30th July 2010
By Tyrone Marshall
AS Burnley's new MP, he is only just getting used to the backbenches of the House of Commons.
But Gordon Birtwistle came off the subs' bench to take part in a fundraising football match.
And being a Liberal Democrat, he avoided both the left and right wings, during the seven-a-side tournament which raised cash for a new Islamic cultural centre planned for the town.
He said: “I played straight down the middle. I wasn’t going to play but they talked me into it.
"It was just a five-minute appearance, then I was subbed for being too good. I was too stylish I think.
“In all honesty, I think I only touched the ball once.
“But it was a great day, it was really enjoyed by all, a terrific occasion that raised a lot of money.”
The tournament raised more than £3,000 for the Islamic centre, which is planned for Hebrew Road.
Abdul Saliq, who helped to organise the tournament, said: “This is the biggest we’ve had it.
“Last year there were 16 teams and we raised over £2,500, now we have 24.
“I think it’s a great way to bring people together for a good cause as virtually everyone likes football.
“The centre will be a good community facility that can hold community events and be used for educational purposes.”
The new centre will host a variety of religious, educational and recreational events and is part of a £3.6million project in the Daneshouse ward.
Funding for the project will also come from private investors and developers across the North West.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.asianimage.co.uk/trade_directory/