Hundreds of Keighley Muslims took part in an annual procession to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed.

Worshippers assembled outside the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Emily Street for the event, which featured a display of many green banners and Islamic devotional chanting.

The march set off at 11.42am on Sunday and progressed into Keighley town centre via Lawkholme Lane, Alice Street and North Street before heading back to the mosque for prayers and talks by religious leaders.

Dozens of volunteers helped marshal the procession and businesses handed out food, sweets and drinks to people involved in the parade.

The event – which benefited from some mild, sunny weather – has been taking place in Keighley for 26 years, and is organised by Keighley Muslim Association (KMA).

KMA community relations and education officer Mohammed Saleem said the occasion’s primary message was to promote love, peace and harmony in wider society.

“We are celebrating the birth of Prophet Mohammed by showing our love and respect,” he said.

“The Qur’an tells us all of mankind is descended from one couple, Adam and Eve. Thus we are all brothers and sisters, and language and race should never be a reason for discriminating against people.

“Today is an opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to reflect upon the life of Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, to understand his vision and to be inspired by his teachings.

“There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about the true teachings of Islam. Probably the three most prevalent Western perceptions of Islam are it is a foreign religion incompatible with Western culture, that it demeans women and it encourages violence and aggression.”

Mr Saleem added in order to dispel these beliefs, the Keighley Muslim Association will be holding its first coffee morning on February 22, starting at 11am at its community centre in Emily Street.

Contact Mohammed Saleem at mohammed_saleem_123@yahoo.com for further details or to book a place.