Over two thousand people turned out to support a fun day which was helping to raise funds to re-build one of Blackburn’s oldest mosques.

The event at the Masjid-e-Rizwan on Newton Street was hailed a huge success by organisers who said £24,000 was raised to help with renovations.

Asif Naik president for Masjid-E-Rizwan said "This is a moment in time, a day to remember for Masjid-E-Rizwan, where everyone got together, from the local community, schools and businesses. 

“Everyone enjoyed the food, activities and the social gathering, and it was amazing to see so many children enjoying themselves.

"The money raised was amazing, but the biggest achievement here is how the community came together to support and have fun."

Asian Image: The Masjid-e-Rizwan fun day was a huge successThe Masjid-e-Rizwan fun day was a huge success (Image: The Masjid-e-Rizwan fun day was a huge success)

The fun day was supported by neighbouring primary school St. Thomas'. Headteacher, Miss Arshad was accompanied by eight children from the school and her deputy, to help fundraise and run the stalls.

Asian Image: Local police join the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen at the Masjid-e-Rizwan Fun DayLocal police join the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen at the Masjid-e-Rizwan Fun Day (Image: Local police join the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen at the Masjid-e-Rizwan Fun Day)

Miss Arshad said: "Thank you to Mr Naik and the team for involving our children in the community event raising money for the mosque project.

“The day was a huge success, bringing people from various communities together to celebrate the family fun day. Thank you from everyone at St Thomas."

Asian Image: A drone image of the fun dayA drone image of the fun day (Image: A drone image of the fun day)

In 2019 trustees of the Kokni Muslim Association were given planning permission to rebuild and extend the mosque.

The estimated cost of the renovations is said to be upwards of £800,000, funded by private donations, and the new mosque will accommodate 450 worshippers.

People can still donate to the cause by clicking here