A group of 100 cyclists from across Lancashire took part in a 25 mile bike ride to highlight the colonisation of Palestine.

People of all ages completed the cycle ride around the Guild Wheel in Preston, finishing at Market Square, where they were welcomed by a cheering crowd. 

The cycle ride was held on the 75th anniversary, since the destruction of Palestine, referred to as the Nakba (Disaster in Arabic).

The event was held to raise funds for the Friends of Al Aqsa (FOA) which is a non governmental organisation recognised by the United Nations, formed to raise awareness of the importance of the Al Aqsa mosque. It also known as the Temple Mount.

The site was built in Jerusalem in the 7th Century AD with the advent of Islam and it was the first place that Muslims prayed to, before the direction of prayer was switched to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. 

It has been a flashpoint for conflict ever since Israel occupied the area with restricted admission to the mosque to Muslims.

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Salim Patel, a driving school owner from Blackburn took part in the cycle ride

He said: “75 years after the Nakba, we still have Palestinians who are facing oppression and ethnic cleansing on a daily basis.

"So this ride was for them and at the same time it is good to get together with like minded people and get some exercise, especially for us older ones.

"I can’t wait to do this again and I hope it becomes an annual event”.