THOUSANDS of Muslims marched through the streets of East Lancashire yesterday to mark the birthday of the prophet Muhammad.

Marches set off from Ghosia Mosque on Clayton Street, Nelson, and from Oak Street in Whalley Range, Blackburn.

Residents marked the occasion by throwing flowers into the street and displaying banners specially made for the day.

The bouquets had flowers of all varieties to mark different religions and cultures found in the area.

Coun Hussain Akhtar, who took part in the march in Blackburn, said: "The message to youngsters should be that respect for Islam is not just for one day, it is forever."

Coun Akhtar also said that the religious groups, Blackburn with Darwen Council and police marshalling the event were "working shoulder to shoulder to bring the borough together."