THOUSANDS of Muslims marched through the streets of Blackburn yesterday to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

More than 5,000 people travelled from across Britain to take part in the annual event, organised by the Pringle Street Mosque, which has been held annually in Blackburn for more than 30 years.

The worshippers carried banners from the Medina Mosque in Oak Street, through Whalley Rage, down Barbara Castle Way and through Audley, before congregating for prayers at the Amina Hall, in Newton Street.

Sergeant John Rigby, of Blackburn Police minorities team, said the march was Blackburn's biggest and among the biggest in the country and was traditionally peaceful.