A group of 100 cyclists from across Lancashire took part in a 25 mile bike ride to show support for the people of Palestine.

People of all ages completed the cycle ride around the Guild Wheel in Preston, finishing at Market Square, where they were welcomed by a cheering crowd. 

The cycle ride was held on the 75th anniversary of Nakba Day, which is held on the same day as Israeli Independence Day, when the British Mandate was terminated and the state of Israel was founded.

For some, this day is viewed as the 'destruction' of Palestine, and its name Nakba translates to 'disaster' in Arabic.

The event was held to raise funds for the Friends of Al Aqsa (FOA), which is a non-governmental organisation recognised by the United Nations, formed to raise awareness of the importance of the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

It also known as the Temple Mount. 

The site was built in Jerusalem in the 7th Century AD with the advent of Islam and it was the first place that Muslims prayed to, before the direction of prayer was switched to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

Since the formation of Israel, it has been a flashpoint for conflict between Israel and Palestinians, particularly due to restricted admission to the mosque to Muslims.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Salim Patel, a driving school owner from Blackburn, took part in the cycle ride.

He said: “75 years after the Nakba, we still have Palestinians who are facing oppression on a daily basis.

"This ride was for them and at the same time it is good to get together with like minded people and get some exercise, especially for us older ones.

"I can’t wait to do this again and I hope it becomes an annual event."

There has been ongoing conflice in Israel/Palestine since the 19th Century, which escalated following the formation of the state of Israel in the 1940s.

Despite numerous attempts at peace the conflict rumbles, with clashes between militant groups from Palestine and the Israeli military.