Cricketers aim to hit religious differences for six

The interfaith cricket event has been taking place in Essex for the past few years

An annual interfaith cricket event is more important now than it has ever been before following the recent social unrest across the country, according to a county's deputy lieutenant.

Players from Chelmsford Cathedral, the Chelmsford Muslim Society and the Chelmsford Hindu Society are set to take part in the three-way tournament at Little Baddow Cricket Club on Sunday.

This year, the participants will be playing in mixed teams.

Sidra Naeem, deputy lieutenant for Essex, said: "It is more important now than ever that we do things like this, and the good thing about this actual event is that it doesn't involve religion.

"We are mixing the teams this year, which is really, really good. It will help more with the bonding and the unity and the harmony, especially in the current climate."

Each of the faiths will provide one captain, and the team names will be "neutral", she said.

Bryan Burrough, who has organised the Christian players this year, said: "We have got 11 and that's the important thing, so they will be spread between the three teams.

"We've had a lot of fun, and by mixing the teams it is going to help the integration."

He added: "There is always food afterwards, which we always enjoy."

Smita Rajesh, from the Hindu Society, said: "It is an amazing experience and we've got to know each other better and better. Every year is a special and unique experience."

Ms Naeem said: "It may be different faiths playing together but we are playing for fun and sport.

"And that is the key that can really in getting communities together... we should focus on similarities instead of differences."