YORK Mosque is to host a children’s art competition and exhibition on Saturday afternoon as its first event of Refugee Week.

There were more than 80 entries for the contest, which was along the theme of refugees’ ‘different pasts, shared future’.

The entries came from children across the city including members of the mosque’s after school club, Osbaldwick Scouts Group and Refugee Action York, said mosque spokesman Mehboob Surve.

He said the judging panel and chief guests included the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Barbara Boyce.

“Prizes will be awarded to the top three from each category: 5-7 year olds, 8-11 year olds, 12-16 year olds, with prizes sponsored by City of Sanctuary York and Diamond’s Guest House,” he said.

“As the event also coincides with the month of Ramadan, the programme will also include talks as to why Muslims fast and rights of refugees in Islam.

“This will be a celebration of hope, diversity and tolerance in this great city which is proud to be a City of Sanctuary as well as a Human Right’s City.”

The event in Bull Lane runs from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.