AROUND 2,500 Shia Muslims took to the streets of Blackburn to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his small group of companions in the name of Islam.

Shia Muslims see the actions of Hussain as the greatest sacrifice made by mankind for humanity.

Marchers left Addison Street just before 2pm today, before walking along Preston New Road, Montague Street, Devonport Street and back to Addison Street.

The event takes place annually in the town and similar parades are held across the world for 40 days.

Imam Hussain was the grandson of the prophet Mohammed.

He left Mecca to escape the tyrannical leader Yazid but was stopped by his 40,000 strong army in the Arabian desert.

After a nine-day stand off Hussain told his followers to leave him as he was the only one the army wanted, but they chose to stay with him.

Fighting began on the tenth day. All 72 of the men who stood alongside Hussain were massacred.

The women and children were paraded through towns as trophies of war.

The stance that Hussain had taken against Yazid opened the hearts and minds of people and they saw that Yazid was wrong in his portrayal of Islam.

Those taking part in the march on Sunday beat their chests to expressing mourning at the pain and suffering Hussain and his companions had suffered.

They also stopped along the route to spend time in prayer and reflection.

Imtiaz Ali Nazir, general secretary of the Shia Islamic Centre in Preston New Road and event organiser, said: "The day went really well and we were blessed with good weather.

"We had around 2,500 people join us, which was fantastic."