MUSLIMS celebrated Eid in Blackburn without any major incidents last night despite police fears.

Police officers had launched a major operation in the run-up to the religious festival urging young people to drive safely.

In the past the end of the Ramadan fasting has seen major celebrations across East Lancashire which have included young men driving recklessly.

The police's road safety message, which they sent out with special Eid greeting cards, seems to have been heeded as there were no major complaints.

Inspector Richard Bailey said: "We have seen no major problems so far during the Eid celebrations. The Asian community have come together peacefully to enjoy their festival, which is what both we and the Muslim community had hoped for."

Councillor Akhtar Hussain praised the work of the police with the Asian community .

He said: "Eid has gone very well this year, and we are very happy with the work of the police, particularly with our young people, to make our community a better place to live. "We received loads of Eid cards this year from people all over Blackburn, and we are hoping that all the communities can work together to put this town on the map."

Thousands of Muslims were continuing to celebrate their biggest religious festival of the year today by gathering at mosques across the area.

Throngs of people were at Randal Street Mosque in Blackburn to attend services, pray and give thanks.

Two sessions of prayers were held at the mosque so that everybody who wanted to attend was able to do so.

Each prayer session lasted 30 minutes with people arriving early to make sure they could find a parking space.

After the services families throughout the area gathered together to continue their Eid celebrations.

The chairman of the Mosque, Chaudhry Barkth, gave his Eid message which encouraged young people to make a special effort with their education over coming 12 months.

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