FOR thousands of people in East Lancashire today is not any ordinary winter's day, but a specially happy and hallowed one.

For today is Eid, the Islamic festival marking the end of the month of Ramadan during which devout Muslims express their faith with fasting from sunrise to sunset.

Now come the traditional celebrations of festive meals, the giving of gifts to charity and prayers for the community.

To those today marking this important day in their calendar and their faith, we say: "Happy Eid!"

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