MANCHESTER'S eco-mosque hosted its first top level meeting this morning when two long serving public figures swapped stories.

Muslim leader His Holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is considered infallible by his followers and is the 52nd leader of the Dawoodi Bohras.

HH Burhanuddin is in the city on a week-long tour and will officially open the mosque, in Levenshulme, tomorrow.

But this afternoon – in front of crowds of enthralled worshippers - he met a number of leading politicians and clergy including MP for Gorton Gerald Kaufman.

The pair told tales of their own cities with Mr Kaufman sharing some local history with the esteemed guest.

He told HH about the population density in his constituency and relayed a historical tale about a battle with Danish invaders on nearby on Dane Road.

HH responded by talking about how busy his own city of Mumbai was. He asked questions about Manchester and said he had read about the city's two football clubs.

The Dawoodi Bohras are known for their commitment to the community where they live.

HH said that followers should remain loyal to the town and look after it.

After presenting Mr Kaufman and representatives from the council and police with shawls and gifts HH said a prayer for Manchester, its residents and their success.

The official opening of the environmentally friendly mosque, on Woodfold Avenue, will take place on Sunday morning.

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