HUNDREDS of people recently came together for a special event at Redditch Mosque following the tragic events in New Zealand.

A gunman entered two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday, killing 50 people and wounding dozens of others.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days” and said the events in the city of Christchurch represented “an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence”.

To show solidarity and support calls to combat the "ideology" of racism a gathering was held at the mosque, on Jinnah Road, on Friday.

Rafa Hussain, from Redditch Mosque, said the aim was to send a clear message to all who wish to sow hatred that they have failed.

Redditch Cllr Bill Hartnett, said: "It was a great turn out of solidarity with many faiths represented, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim, who all spoke of their horror of last week’s attack."

He added: "We made a new banner based on the council's faith banner from a couple of years ago. This was signed and will be sent to New Zealand as a mark of respect from Redditch to the victims, families and people of New Zealand."