A MILLION-POUND mosque to promote peace and harmony in communities was unveiled last night.

The Supreme Head of The Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community attended the ceremony to officially inaugurate the mosque in Hartlepool.

Civic dignitaries, including MPs, MEPs and councillors, gathered at the Muslim church, including the town's Mayor, Stuart Drummond.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad is recognised worldwide as the Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, an international religious organisation established in more than 180 countries.

The finishing touches to the mosque were completed at the eleventh hour, with the lawn being laid just hours before the dinner reception last night.

Three days ago, the spectacular dome still had to be put in place and the whole of the first floor was flooded after recent bad weather.

But the national president of the association, Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, described the last minute completion as a miracle.

He said: "I can't believe we were ready in time for the opening, it was a miracle. The lawns were laid yesterday morning and the dome wasn't in place until Wednesday."

He added: "Like a church, this is a house of God and is open to everyone in the community. It is a house of peace.

"This is the latest opening of mosques across the country, with the next one planned in Bradford, which will be beautiful."

Work to build the mosque began in June and was funded by the Muslim community.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has a long tradition of assisting the poor and the underprivileged, as well as raising money for worthy charities that benefit local communities.