Celebration procession

THE Mayor, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, helps to lead the procession

HUNDREDS of Muslims took to the streets of Oldham on Sunday to celebrate the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Banners were held, prayers were said and food distributed to the walkers who braved the rain, as they followed the route from Abbeyhills Road to Waterloo Street.

This year’s milad — meaning birth — was thought to be extra special as it coincided with Christmas Eve.

The milad is observed by most Muslim sects on the 12th day of the third month in the Islamic calendar.