PEOPLE of a number of different faiths, races and cultures met in Palmer's Park on Sunday for a post referendum picnic.

Organised by St Luke's and St Bart's churches, the event, dubbed More in Common, was held in response to a perceived rise in tensions following the country's decision to leave the European Union.

In attendance were people from a host of East Reading community and religious groups, including Muslims, Sikhs and Christians as well as members of RISC, Reading Pride and refugee support workers.

The name of the event is in reference to the maiden Parliament speech of Jo Cox, the MP who was fatally shot in her constituency a week before the historic vote.

Graeme Fancourt, the vicar of St Luke's and St Bart's and chief organiser of the picnic, said: “With fewer than two weeks notice, people from all kinds of community groups came together to celebrate that we have more in common than that which divides us.

“Reading residents from all over the world and with a wide range in beliefs sat together in the sunshine with the sole aim of getting to know one another better.

“The atmosphere was as warm as the weather, and lasting friendships were made.”

In an effort to build on the al-fresco sense of bonhomie, the group plans to sell More in Common umbrellas across the town.

“The brollies will be given in pairs, so that people always have a spare to give to someone they might see caught without an umbrella in a storm,” explained Reverend Fancourt.

“It is hoped that such a random act of kindness will speak volumes about the community life we can all enjoy if we would just cherish and strive for it together.”