THOUSANDS of Muslims gathered to walk thought the streets of Bolton in celebration of the birthday of the prophet Muhammad.

A predicted six thousand people took part in the annual event, which saw them carrying religious banners and singing prayers as they made their way around the two mile route from the Makkah Mosque in Grecian Crescent to the Ghosia Mosque in Daubhill.

Coaches brought worshippers of all ages from places such as Huddersfield, Keighley and even as far as London for the Bolton walk, which is now in its 27th year.

Prior to the walk, guests were invited into the mosque to pray and eat, before setting off along the route.

The organisers of the event paid the costs for the council to close the roads, which allowed the thousands of people to pass safely along the route.

One of the organising team, Tassadaq Hussain explained why the date is so important in the Muslim calender.

He said: "This event is held to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, which is the most important date for Muslims and is celebrated all over the world.

"It is a joyous and peaceful event and aims to share the message of peace and love and show people the peaceful nature of the Muslim religion."

He added: "The Bolton event is in its 27th year and we think this is one of the biggest yet, people have come from all over today.

"We would like to thank Bolton Council and the police for helping to make this possible as well as the wider community."

One group that travelled to take part in the walk included Tahair Ali and Waqas Rafiq from Keighley in West Yorkshire.

Mr Ali said: "This is my first time in Bolton and it is a really nice place, the weather is out and it is very nice to be here."

Mr Rafiq added: "The Bolton walk is growing every year and it is nice to be here today."

Sufi Asif came from Blackburn, he said:"This is the most important date for Muslims and its important to mark it."