Volunteers helping to build a new Blackburn mosque said they were ‘overwhelmed’ after £126,000 was pledged to support the project.

The new Islamic Education Centre, off Devonport Road, is in the final phase and will replace the terraced building at the corner of Addison Street.

The mosque has been the focal point for religious activities for more than 40 years.

The new build has been funded entirely by donations, with volunteers holding charity treks and gruelling cycle rides over the past five years.

The fundraising has also helped to inspire people from within the community to also get involved in a series of health and welll being initiatives.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The new green dome was placed on top of the structure last year

The exterior of the mosque has been completed and work is not taking place to complete the interior.

The new mosque will include a dedicated women’s prayer area as well as a section to conduct the final rites of the recently deceased.

The dinner at the Staveley House was attended by up to 200 guests from across the north west and as well as hearing from volunteers the audience viewed a special video of what the mosque might look like when finished.

Donations were made by local businesses and families in a bid to help the mosque volunteers reach their £260,000 target.

Whilst £126,000 was reached through pledges, a donation towards the carpet means the figure may be a lot higher.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The fundraising dinner was attended by special guests from across the UK as well as the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Suleman Khonat (bottom right)

Speaking on the day, host, Tabarik Zabier said: “We were anticipating anything between £70,000 to £100,000 for the night.

“We have done fantastically well despite the circumstances the country is facing economically.

“The love and attitude of everyone here tonight has helped to reach an approximate amount of £126,000.

“This will be in addition to the wonderful donation to pay for the mosque carpet.”

Organisers said they wished to thank everyone who made a donation on the night as well as Waheed’s Restaurant for donating all the food for guests.

Staveley House provided the venue at a discount to ensure further funds could be donated to the mosque.

To find out more about the project or to donate, visit the Islamic Education Centre's Facebook page.