Lord Bourne, the government's minister for faith, has begun a tour to highlight the country's "diverse landscape of faith communities and places of worship".

The tour, which is expected to last through 2018, follows a similar feat last year which saw him visit all 42 Anglican cathedrals in England.

This time round he will visit churches of different denominations and places of worship of different faiths.

Many of the buildings he will visit have been suggested by members of the community.

"England is a country with a rich heritage of religious diversity and our modern society thrives on the range of its faith communities," he said.

"Having already visited the 42 Anglican Cathedrals in England, I am looking forward to visiting 42 places of worship that serve Britain's other faith communities. It is important that we recognise the important part these places of worship and religious groups play in our communities."

Great to meet up with friends from many faiths to discuss the importance of Inter Faith - thanks #InterFaithWeek pic.twitter.com/p7TLKdfF7T

— Lord Nick Bourne (@lordnickbourne) November 13, 2017

Lord Bourne started the tour off in Leicester where he visited St Mary's, the church where he was christened.

The start of the tour also marked Inter Faith week where people of faith are encouraged to engage with those of differing beliefs.