A devout Christian fasted in a bid to show solidarity with Muslims marking the holy month of Ramadan.

John East, a support worker for asylum seekers and refugees at Blackburn Cathedral, said he was trying to bring together Christians and Muslims in the area.

And in return he invited leaders from the Muslim community to take part in the Christian celebration of Lent next year.

Mr East, who also helps at Wesley Hall Methodist Church, Blackburn, woke up before sunrise to eat before he started his fast and did not eat until around 7.30pm that evening.

He said: "I wanted to demonstrate solidarity and send a message to people that Muslims and Christians can work together in a multi-faith community.

"I followed all the rules for fasting, you are supposed to wake up before sunrise which I did and I didn't eat until sunset.

"I did feel a hungry while I was fasting. I fasted for one day to show solidarity with the Muslim asylum seekers and refugees in the community.

"We should celebrate our religious similarities rather than be divided by religious differences.

"We need to learn to live side by side. And I challenge Muslim leaders to take part in a similar fasting time in the Christian faith, Lent."

Mr East said he was also trying raise the profile of the extra help needed for asylum seekers.

He said: "The act was also to demonstrate the needs of asylum seekers and refugees of their physical, mental and spiritual barriers.

"I am concerned because some refugees and asylum seekers have issues with their own communities because their traditions and cultures are very different.

"I believe as Christians and Muslims, we need to work hard collectively in eradicating injustice."

Abdul Qureshi, from the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: "Fasting is about more than giving something up it is about connecting with your faith It is welcome that someone is prepared to try."