A GROUP of Muslims observing Ramadhan have pledged to break their fast with the homeless for the first time in Blackburn.

The six volunteers from the area have come together to provide hot meals outside the Town Hall at dusk on Saturday evening for more than 400 people.

The organisers hope that the ‘Iftar’ event will allow them to give something back to one of the most vulnerable sections of society.

They have also invited other Blackburn residents to bring diverse groups together to strengthen community links.

They will share curries cooked and donated by local restaurants.

Group co-ordinator Noordad Aviz, who is also councillor for Netherton in Great Harwood, got the idea after witnessing the success of the event in Preston and Manchester.

He said: “I’ve been involved in the other Iftars but I thought that we needed one to be brought to Blackburn.

“We are concerned about the plight of homeless people so we want to share what we have as a way of helping.”

Amanda Fletcher, of Nightsafe, said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea that this group is encouraging all sections of the community, including businesses, to come together to help a needy section of society.”

For more information on the event, which is due to start from 8.30pm, go to www.facebook.com/BlackburnIftarWithTheHomeless