Thousands gathered to welcome the imam of the grand mosque in Makkah on his visit to Lancashire.

Shaikh Dr Abdur Rahman Al Sudais was welcomed by over 8,000 people before evening prays at the Jamea Mosque based on Cumberland St, Blackburn. A day later he led prays at the Jamea Mosque, Clarendon Street, Preston where over 4000 people gathered.

He also made quick visits to Rotherham and Manchester from his base in Preston.

Highly regarded by Muslims across the world, he is one of two imams, (or head priests), in Makkah, and he stopped off in the region to give a talk to the area's faithful.

Shaikh Sudais in a message to the Muslim community said, "I would like to say as make my way back , what an enjoyable and happy time I had visiting your city and how much I have appreciated the honour and respect you showed in taking care of me."

"I would ask you all to be nice to your neighbours whether Muslim or non-Muslim as the Prophet (PBUH) taught.

"Muslims have nothing to do with terrorism or killing innocent people. Peace and security is the sign of Islam. Respect the law and order of the country you are living in."

He led four Jummah prays (Friday prays) throughout the Uk during his visit. He was invited the city of Preston by the former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Yousuf Bhailok.

At a welcoming speech in Preston Adam Yousuf Bhailok said, "It is my great pleasure and privilege to extend a warm welcome and sincerest greetings from the heart from all the people of this Jamea Mosque.

"Long may you have good health and long may you continue to enthrall the Muslim world with that sweetness in your voice which truly brings out the greatness of the Holy Quran and tears to our eyes."

Chairman of the Jamea Mosque in Blackburn Moullana Ahmed Sidat was overjoyed at the visit. Local councillor Salim Mulla told us, "He has close affiliations with Blackburn and we were all overwhelmed with the reception given to him by the people of Blackburn.

"He enjoyed his visit here and promised he would return when the mosque extension is complete."

Ibby Master, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said, "The visit went very well. We were very pleased to see the warm welcome given to him by people.

"He said he would say prayers for the community when he got back to Makkah."

A strong police presence was on hand but the afternoon passed without incident.