The Imam of Maidstone Mosque has launched a heartfelt plea to Muslims in Maidstone, Kent and across the world to donate to the town's new Islamic Centre.

Dr Muhammad Shabbir Usmani said that when the old mosque in Mote Road was demolished two and a half years ago, the cost of rebuilding to include a new mosque and community centre was budgeted for £1 million.

Since then, the design for the centre had been changed - it now includes a lift and a mortuary - and along with extra expenses caused by Covid 19, the cost is now £1.2m.

The Imam said construction work was nearly completed and the mosque could be open in as little as two months - if the extra funds were found.

The project is £150,000 short.

In a video message posted on the mosque's Facebook page, Dr Usmani appealed for his Muslim brothers and sisters to dig deep into their pockets and to ask friends and relatives to do the same, to make up the shortfall.

The original building was demolished in November 2018,

Prayers have been held in Heather House in Park Wood in the meantime.

Once complete, the new mosque will house classrooms, a library, offices, kitchen, and a flat.

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