The annual Shia Procession in Blackburn attracted hundreds of worshippers from across the town.

The march (Sunday September 22) began at the Shia Islamic Centre on Preston New Road where prayers were said before the marchers made their way down Addison Street and along Devonport Road.

The march took over an hour to complete as the group stopped to pray and chant.  The procession is of great religious significance to members of the Shia community and takes place across the world.

The ritual is known as Ashura and is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, the first month of the lunar calendar.

It marks the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Holy Prophet in 680 AD in Karbala, near Baghdad in Iraq.

He was killed by political rivals alongside an army of 72 men at the battle of Karbala. Hussein’s body was mutilated, leading to his martyrdom.

Volunteers were on hand to marshal the event throughout and also spoke to passers-by to explain the significance of the march.