MUSLIMS from far and wide turned out for a special faith walk to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

The group set off from the Makkah Mosque to walk around Great Lever yesterday afternoon.

The roads were closed at around 1pm as thousands walked the streets waving flags and singing songs and prayers.

The annual event is known as one of the biggest of its kind and attracts Muslims from far and wide.

One of the event’s organisers Shehzad Arif, who lives in Halliwell, said: “We are here to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

“It is a global event for everyone, and the aim is to spread peace and harmony, which are the true teachings of Islam.

“We have had more than 30 coaches from across the UK so that people could be here today.”

Worshippers both young and old had travelled as far as Cambridgeshire, Bristol and London to be in Bolton for the special event, which is now in its 29th year.

Zahir Hussain was part of a large group that had travelled from Bradford to take part.

He said: “The walk is getting bigger and bigger every year.

“It does not matter what background people are from, everyone and anyone is welcome.”

Others had travelled from the West Midlands, including Hashaf Akhtar, from Telford.

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

And as the group braved the cold and made their way along the streets, others were on hand at the roadside offering refreshments.

Volunteers were also on hand to assist with traffic and crowd control.

The procession set out from the mosque, in Grecian Crescent, and made its way along Rishton Lane, Settle Street, Higher Swan Lane, Bridgeman Street, and High Street towards the Masjid E Ghosia Mosque, in Daubhill.

See video of the walk online at theboltonnews.co.uk