A group of HM Revenue and Customs employees in Shipley were taking part in a sponsored fast today to raise funds for Bradford Royal Infirmary’s baby unit.

The challenge, which was to see staff give up food and drink from 3am to 8pm, also aimed to give participants an insight into the lives of Muslims who fast during the month of Ramadan.

Bash Khan, a HM Revenue and Customs manager, who organised the event, said: “It will give people an awareness of what fasting means and help them appreciate the food we have.

“They can get a feel for what it’s like for people who fast for 30 days and put something back into the community.”

The staff were due to be rewarded for their efforts with a complimentary meal at the Aagrah restaurant in Shipley once their fast had ended.