A new project aims to inspire young Muslims with the wonders of the night sky.

Bradford-based science body Space Connections hopes to get youngsters fired up about stargazing and show them how the Islamic world played a key role in early astronomy.

Yesterday, a special event at the University of Bradford marked the start of a pilot project called Islamic Astronomy.

Special guests Dr Robert Massey, of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Usama Hasan, of the Quilliam Foundation, led hands-on activities for children and their parents.

The project will see children from about 15 madrassas taking part in a programme of star-themed activities.

Helen Barraclough, of Space Connections, said: “This programme of events is designed to excite children’s curiosity about the night sky, encourage learning about astronomy and to engage families to become involved in their children’s learning.”

She said the project aimed to give the children and their families a passion for astronomy which would stay with them long after the programme had ended.