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TV chef joins vicars and imams for cricket match

Clive Lawrence for Blackburn Diocese TV Chef Andi Oliver with members of the cricket teamsClive Lawrence for Blackburn Diocese
TV chef Andi Oliver (front) created a special tea for the inter-faith match

TV chef Andi Oliver has added a culinary twist to an inter-faith cricket match as part of a new BBC Two cookery series.

The annual match between the Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) and Lancashire Council of Mosques (LCM), took place at Calder Vale Sports Club in Burnley last year.

Ms Oliver, who is host of the BBC's Great British Menu, created a special tea for the event which was filmed for new show, Fabulous Feasts, due to air on BBC Two at 7pm.

Councillor Afrasiab Anwar, leader of Burnley Council and member of the LCM cricket team, said the match celebrated unity in Lancashire.

“It’s great to be able to compete against each other in this way," he said.

"But, more importantly, it’s about the conversations we have, the friendships we build and the way we come together to promote and celebrate the wonderful communities and wonderful people we have here in Lancashire."

Clive Lawrence for Blackburn Diocese Rev Jordan McDermott (right) Abdul Alim Kheratkar (left), Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North and Mufti Ashfaq QaziClive Lawrence for Blackburn Diocese
Ms Oliver said she was "moved" by the honest intention of the people of Lancashire

Reverend Jordan McDermott, from the United Benefice of Accrington, said the inter-faith county cricket match began in 2018 and had gone on to become an example of good community relations.

"It is wonderful how this inter-faith, clergy versus imams cricket match has developed," Mr McDermott, who is also captain of the Church of England in Lancashire’s team, said.

"The relationships which we have fostered are having a real impact on the communities of which we are a part.

"The cricket is always closely contested, and very competitive - but above all, it is good fun."

Mozaquir Ali, trustee of Building Bridges in Burnley, said "I’m so glad this cricket match is now happening every year, demonstrating the unity we enjoy here in Lancashire."

Clive Lawrence for Blackburn Diocese Members of the church and mosques cricket teams Clive Lawrence for Blackburn Diocese
Members of the church and mosques cricket teams tuck in to Andi Oliver’s feast

Heavy rain stopped play on the day, however the tea still went ahead and the teams were filmed tucking into Ms Oliver's creations with food sourced from local producers.

“It’s been so beautiful to be here in Lancashire to see people celebrating difference, supporting each other and understanding each other's communities," Andi Oliver said.

“I’m a big fan of cricket teas, we used to make cricket teas all the time when I was a kid.

"Cricket, and sport generally, brings people together but it’s the intention that’s important and the intention of this match is community cohesion and genuine friendship.

"I am genuinely quite moved by the honest intention people have here.”

A rematch is scheduled to take place at Burnley Cricket Club on 28 July.

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