A SECONDARY school has issued advice to Muslim students sitting GCSE exams during the religious fast of Ramadan .

Blackburn Central High School has arranged for a special Eid breakfast for Year 11 students to celebrate the end of the Holy Month and for a local Islamic priest or Imam to perform prayers to mark the festival.

Ramadan started over the Bank Holiday weekend and ends on June 5 or 6 when the rest of the school will be shut.

GCSE exams begin on Monday..

Geography and Spanish Writing GCSE exams wi9ll take place on Wednesday June 5 and Maths and History exams on Thursday June 6.

One of these days will coincide with the celebrations for Eid-al-Fitr for some students.

Associate Headteacher, Mrs Shanaz Hussain. said: "I must stress the importance of attending all exams, any Year 11 student not present for their examination will fail it.

"Should you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact me."

Students have been referred to a leaflet on Healthy Fasting During Ramadan which says: "The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

" Through fasting you learn how to manage your eating habits and improve self-discipline."