A PARADE in Manningham to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday attracted more than 1,000 supporters from across Britain, according to organisers.

The Naqshbandia Active Development Association (NADA) held the procession this afternoon, beginning at its Jamia Masjid Naqshbandia Aslamia Islamic Centre, in Tile Street.

A marquee was set up under sunny skies and marchers walked through the streets and then back for a spiritual meditation programme followed by food and refreshments.

Nazim Ali, of NADA, said the aim was to show how much Islam integrates with British society.

"We had guests from all over the country, from as far away as Glasgow, Bedford and Birmingham.

"It has been a wonderful day, with wonderful weather for our holy parade, which is called a Milad," Mr Ali said.

"It was also a family day and food has been distributed to people living in Tile Street.

"That also means to people who are not Muslim, as this is a total community event and we want everyone to join in the celebration," Mr Ali said.

The march also celebrated the fifth anniversary of the opening of the centre, where speeches were delivered in both English and Urdu by Islamic scholars and Islamic songs called Nasheeds were recited.