PRIMARY school pupils swapped their usual maths and science lessons for a visit to a Bury mosque.

More than 40 children from St Teresa's RC Primary School, which is part of St Mary's parish in Radcliffe, travelled from Little Lever to Noor-Ul Islam Mosque in Yarwood Street, Bury.

They were shown around the building, looked at Arabic books and copies of the Koran, and learned how to wash before prayer.

The youngsters also found out about the prayers said by Muslims each day and why they face Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.

The trip was organised by the school's headteacher, Mrs Diane Bohan. She said: "We were learning about celebrations as part of a project and looking at different faith festivals. I belong to the Bury Muslim/Christian Forum and they said we could visit the mosque to find out more about Islam.

"The children learned a lot and said it was the best trip they had ever been on. They asked a lot of interesting questions."