A former High Wycombe mayor has received a moving letter from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern following the horrific Christchurch mosque shootings earlier this year.

Wycombe district Cllr Khalil Ahmed penned a letter to the leader of the Australasian country after a number of members from the High Wycombe community such as MP Steve Baker, Reverend Hugh Ellis and Imam Haseeb Jahangir took part in an emotional candlelit vigil at All Saints Parish Church on March 18 to remember those who died in the incident on March 15.

A book of condolences was signed by visitors at the vigil, with the book being passed onto the mayor of Christchurch who forwarded it to the relatives of those who lost their lives.

Cllr Ahmed wrote in the letter: "Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy for the recent act of terror that took the lives of so many innocent New Zealand residents.

"Your actions following this tragic event have been inspirational and have motivated people to act with compassion around the world.

"No action will bring back those who lost their lives but we believe you have been genuinely supportive of bereaved relatives and for that we thank you.

"We salute you for taking a strong stand against extremism and leading the way in addressing hate."

In total, 51 people were killed in the massacre at the Al Noor Mosque and the Linewood Islamic Centre, while 49 were injured.

Australian man Brenton Tarrant, 28, is due to appear in court on murder and terrorism charges in connection with the attack.

In response, the Prime Minister wrote: "The Prime Minister has been deeply moved by the support and compassion shown in the wake of the attack in Christchurch, and by the thousands of people from around the world who have taken the time to share their condolences.

"Your kind words at this sad time for New Zealand were greatly appreciated. Thank you too for the book of condolences, signed by the people of High Wycombe, to the relatives of those who are still in mourning."

Cllr Ahmed said: “We wanted to send our compassion and thoughts to our friends in New Zealand on the behalf of Wycombe residents following what happened in March.

“We sympathised with everyone who was affected by the tragedy and we when we had our candlelight vigil three days later, there were people who practised all sorts of faiths and were of different races, so we felt we had a duty to do something about it.”

“Even after the Sri Lanka Easter shooting, which was one month later, we’re seeing so many people getting killed in their place of worship and regardless of what faith you practise, all these attacks have to be condemned.”