LANCASHIRE fire-fighters are urging Muslims undertaking the religious pilgrimage of Hajj to stay safe.

Up to 25,000 British Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to take part in the annual eight-day pilgrimage, one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar.

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new initiative to educate British pilgrims about safety issues when staying in the cities of Mecca and Medina.

Safety During Hajj is a PowerPoint presentation including fire escape plans, advice on electrical safety and kitchen safety when cooking in tents.

There is also an emphasis on staying safe including how to avoid being crushed when in a large crowd of people.

The programme has been endorsed by Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, who is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Leader of the UK Hajj Delegation.

He said: "For so many years there has been a gap to do with safety.

"Through the development of this programme, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue service is not only helping to make Lancashire pilgrims safer, but will have an impact on all pilgrims."

There are approximately 70,000 Muslims in the Lancashire County Council area, which is five per cent of the total population.