Muslim bus drivers in Bradford will be given healthy eating advice to make sure they stay safe and alert while fasting for Ramadan.

The fasting period starts today and lasts during daylight hours until Thursday, September 9.

West Yorkshire’s biggest bus operator, First, has helped the NHS to draw up information sheets on healthy eating during Ramadan.

The information sheets will be handed to First bus staff at training sessions designed to ensure they remain healthy and alert during the fast.

Ben Gilligan, operations director for First in West and North Yorkshire, said: “The health of our staff is important to us and we are keen to help them reach the right balance during the period of Ramadan.

“Just a few simple tips can avoid problems such as headaches and dehydration which may cause both short-term and longer-term health issues.”

The information sheets highlight a diet that has less food than normal but is sufficiently balanced to keep people healthy and active. The diet should be simple and not differ too much from a normal everyday diet.

Staff are being encouraged to have a full and healthy breakfast, which includes plenty of liquids, before setting off to work.

In the evenings and at the end of fasting periods, staff are being reminded not to indulge in too many rich and fatty dishes that could bring on stomach aches and illness.

Mr Gilligan said: “For some of our younger drivers this may be their first experience of fasting during the longer summer months while being a bus driver and we want them to give a little thought as to how this fast may affect them at work.”