MUSLIM peace campaigners say they have accepted the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) apology over the use of mosque models on an Army firing range.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Hartlepool, which has launched a campaign across the Tees Valley to promote Islamic principles of peace, said it was now time to move on.

The MoD was forced to apologise for building cut-out mosques on a military training area on Bellerby Moor, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, after being heavily criticised by Muslim groups earlier this week.

The models were partially demolished following the criticism on Thursday evening.

Wadood A Daud, from Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Hartlepool, said: “The models sent out the wrong message, but we have received an apology and accept that apology.

“I think we now need to put the matter behind us and build a working relationship with everybody to work towards peace.”

The regional campaign, which is based on a national drive to spread the “Islamic principles of loyalty, freedom and peace”, is being led by the Hartlepool Muslim group.

Volunteers have delivered nearly 15,000 leaflets to homes in Darlington, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

Posters have also been placed on the sides of Teesside buses.

Rafiq Hayat, the national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, said: “The true peaceful Islam is poles apart from the hatred that is preached by a minority.

“By emphasising the values highlighted in this campaign we hope to facilitate a better understanding of Islam so that people are able to judge for themselves the actions of those who claim to speak and act in its good name.”

The campaign has the support of senior politicians in the region, including MEPs Fiona Hall and Stephen Hughes, as well as Tory leader, David Cameron.

Mr Hughes said: “I welcome the action and campaign, which is supported by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Hartlepool, to share information about Islam and the teachings of the great prophet. I am sure this campaign will help in the promotion of social cohesion and mutual respect and understanding.”

For more details of the campaign, visit loveforallhatredfornone.org