PEOPLE of different creeds, colour and age will parade through Accrington town centre on Sunday for the first multi-denominational civic service.

Each year, Hyndburn's mayor chooses a church where the civic event will take place and Councillor Mirza Yousaf has opted for it to be held in Accrington town hall.

He is a Muslim, but felt that it would be more appropriate for the service to be in a building accessible to all.

"He is very much of the mind that he is mayor for everyone," said executive mayoral assistant Elaine Wright. "We have tried to organise a multi-denominational service involving a bit of everything."

Included in the ceremony will be readings from the Koran and Christian prayers.

Songs will be provided by Muslim children from Hyndburn mosques and pupils at St Anne's and St Joseph's Primary, Accrington.

Youngsters from St Peter's CE Primary, Accrington, will be enacting the parable of the Good Samaritan.

This year's ceremony is also unique because there will be no return procession.

Usually, groups and organisations which take part walk to a hall or room where refreshments are organised after the service.

This year, snacks will be provided at the town hall.

The parade starts at Benjamin Hargreaves School, Barnfield Street, and follows a route down Plantation Street, Eastgate, Abbey Street, Warner Street to Church Street then to the town hall.

It starts at 10am and all are welcome at the service which commences at 10.30am.

Groups involved will include Accrington Pipe Band, the Royal British Legion, RAF Association, bands, army and sea cadets, councillors, magistrates, uniformed organisations and police.

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