People of different faiths and backgrounds were invited to take part in a special Ramadan dinner at Bolton’s largest mosque.

The Zakariyya Jaam'e Masjid in partnership with the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCOM) hosted the iftar (fast-breaking) event which aimed to give people more of an insight into the holy month.

During Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn till dusk but the period is also a time for deep reflection and spiritual development.

Guests included leader of the council, Councillor Martyn Cox, Chief Executive of the Bolton Hospital, Fiona Noden, Assistant director of the hospital, Rachel Hemingway, Yasmin Qureshi MP and Senior Coroner, Timothy Brennand. Also in attendance were representatives from Greater Manchester Police and the local fire service.

The event was opened by the executive member of BCOM, followed by a talk on the virtues of Ramadan by Maulana Talha of the mosque. He spoke about the importance of the fasting month to Muslims, hosted a tour of the mosque and invited people to the Iftar meal.

The Bolton News:

A BCOM spokesman said: “The month of Ramadan brings families and communities together and it is a period of reflection and solace.

“It allows the community to extend a hand of caring and kindness to people from different faiths and bringing them together was a real honour showing strong unity and community cohesion in Bolton.

"They are proud to have achieved what they have and will continue to serve the community collectively, with our key partners.”

BCOM is the umbrella organisation for all the mosques in Bolton.