EAST Lancashire's Muslims have been urged to scrap a dangerous tradition to celebrate the festival of Eid.

And as tens of thousands today prepared for their biggest religious festival of the year, Lancashire Council of Mosques secretary Salim Mulla appealed for youths to end the trend of hiring cars.

The councillor for Blackburn's Queen's Park ward said: "Over the years, a lot of youngsters have taken to hiring cars and speeding around the town.

"Eid is a joyous day but this tradition has resulted in around five deaths in recent years and we definitely don't want something like that. This year we want the youngsters to celebrate Eid in an orderly manner.

"We want them to be tolerant of the community and celebrate in a respectable way."

Eid celebrations start at a new moon, which is expected on Sunday. Scientists in Saudi Arabia will monitor the moon using state-of-the-art equipment and once they give confirmation, the celebrations can begin.

Traditionally, Muslims will wake up early, dress in their best clothes and eat sweet foods, often dates, before arriving at their mosque at around 9am. There they perform Eid prayer and wish each other Eid Mubaarak.

Afterwards donations are collected for charity Fadaqatul, which gives money to the world's needy.

They will then enjoy a celebratory family dinner at home.

Coun Mulla will be celebrating at the Cumberland Street Mosque, Blackburn, and extended his best wishes to the people of East Lancashire.

He said: "I want to wish everybody, from all religions, best wishes and Eid Mubaarak from the Muslim community."