Hundreds of balloons were released in Manchester by representatives of the city's Muslim communities to celebrate Islam Awareness week.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Audrey Jones, and Councillor Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council attended the event.
This year's Islam Awareness Week took the theme of 'Muslim Heritage' in order to highlight the part played by Islamic civilisation in influencing modern ideas about science, medicine, mathematics, architecture, music and the arts.
Mr Leese said, "We welcome Islam Awareness Week as an opportunity for us all to further our understanding of the true traditions of this great faith and its beauty, its wisdom and compassion."
The launch was followed by an official Civic Reception at the City's Town Hall.
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