Rain did not dampen spirits at a health mela held this weekend.

The One Voice Mela, incorporating the Baiter Sehat project in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council included more than a dozen health stalls, fun activities, and healthy food.

Experts were on hand to meet and greet the public and offer advice and information at Corporation Street, Blackburn.

The centrepiece of the mela was an It’s a Knockout-style competition featuring local community groups.

The competition was won by Abu Hanifah Foundation Scout Group.

The visitors experienced a mixture of health and fun.

Salma Mohammed said, “The kids have had a great time at the mela.

"I got some important information from a group called Inspire and the Blackburn College trailer about adult courses.”

The event was opened by Cllr Mohammed Khan, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council leader, and Claire Berry, marketing manager at Blackburn College.

Angela Ditchfield, specialist nurse for organ donation said,”There was a lot of engagement with the communities and interesting conversations had and we hope to have further events such as the mela to highlight the need for donors.”

Clare Carroll from The Stroke Association said, “The Stroke Association was really pleased to be able to participate in the One Voice Mela this year. Despite the bad weather there was a great atmosphere and it was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of stroke and how to prevent this in the local community. We also made some really useful contacts with other local organisations and are looking forward to next year’s event.”

Claire Moran from Healthwatch BWD reiterated these thoughts, “Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen were happy to support and participate with the One Voice Mela, it was a superb opportunity to engage with local residents and listen to their views and experiences on local health and social care services.”

Even the rain did not spoil the fun.

One Voice Chairman Abrar Hussain said: “We would like to thank all the visitors to the One Voice Mela in challenging conditions.

"We would also like to thank the many health and activity stalls for laying on such a fabulous display at the event.

"There is not much more we can say about our volunteers who were exceptional on the day.”