Thousands of Muslims throng streets for annual march

Numbers swelled for the  Milaad event as it made its away around the Brookhouse area of Blackburn on Sunday.

The event began on Randal Street outside the Raza Mosque before making it its way along Victoria and Randal Street towards Shear Brow.

The procession then headed along London Road and Earl Street and Whalley Range before ending at the Madina Mosque on Oak Street, where food was served.

The great weather attracted more people this year and it is estimated around 5,000 were part of the march.

Many attendees came with flags and followed religious leaders through the streets, stopping along the way to eat Asian delicacies supplied by shopkeepers and residents.

Whalley Range was decorated with balloons and flags by volunteers.

Volunteers were on hand to assist with crowd control and a handful of local police officers were on duty.

The peaceful event attracts of a lot families with people from two to three generations taking part.

The march makes its way along Victoria Street

Crowds swelled as the march came down Earl Street

Yaqub,came with his sons and father: "We come every year and try to take part in as many Milaad events as possible.

"It is great for the kids to be walking with their grandad at such a special time of year."

Iftikar Hussain said: "It is great day out for everyone and as well as the relgious significance you get to meet people you have not seen for a long time.

"It was a great atmosphere this year."