More than 3,000 Muslims from across the country took to the streets of Keighley at the weekend in a parade to celebrate the birth of the prophet Muhammed.

The now annual procession, which took place on Sunday, was hailed as a success by organisers Keighley Muslim Association.

Mahboob Alam, general secretary of Keighley Muslim Association, said: "It was a very successful day, demonstrating the love, respect and understanding our prophet showed to all people.

"We did not think so many people would come, but we had more than 3,000 people come from across the country to join the procession. It was very successful and very peaceful."

The march, which was led by Keighley Mosque Imam Pir Abdul Ghaffar, started from the Jamia Mosque, Bradford Street, at noon and celebrators marched across the town centre for two hours.

The paraders, who particularly came from towns across Yorkshire and Lancashire and also Birmingham, returned to the mosque, where refreshments were provided and the celebrations continued.

There were prayers and then speeches and readings about the prophet's life.

Speakers included Syred Urfan Hussain Shah and Khurshad Alam, from Pakistan, Syed Ahmed Hussain, from Halifax, and Mohammed Iqbal, from Bolton.

Poets Sabir Hussain, from Pakistan, and Abdul Kadar, from Bradford, recited their work.

Rev Peter Mott, priest-in-charge at Keighley Shared Church, and Rev Gordon Webb, superintendent minister of Keighley & Worth Valley Circuit of the Methodist Church, were also present at the march.

Mr Alam added: "We would like to thank everyone who has helped us, including Keighley police, the Keighley News and everyone who helped with refreshments."

They included Mohammed Bashir of Shimla Spice, who provided special Zamzam water from Mecca, Kashmir Food Stores, Balti House Restaurant and Jamir Ashad.