Organisers of a peace conference in Hitchin this weekend have an open door to anyone who would like to get involved.

The Stevenage-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Association – established in 1914 and one of the oldest groups of its kind in the country – has put freedom of speech at the top of the agenda for Sunday’s session at North Herts College’s Hitchin centre.

The association has chosen the subject with the outrage caused by recent deadly attacks in Europe in mind.

Muslim groups throughout the world have disowned the actions of extremists who attacked cartoonists at the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and others in January in retribution for ‘blasphemous’ depictions of the prophet Muhammad.

Last week a film-maker was shot dead and several others were injured when a gunman opened fire at a freedom of speech event in Copenhagen.

Co-ordinator Mhammad Younas said: “We would like to promote the true meaning of Islam. The theme will be freedom of speech, with a talk and an open question and answer forum.

“The AMA condemns all forms of terrorism and totally disagrees with the violent response of some Muslims to various recent events.”

Organisers ask that anyone wishing to attend should register their interest in advance by emailing president.stevenage@ahmadiyyauk.org or calling 07949 110271.