THOUSANDS of East Lancashire's Muslims took to the streets of Blackburn to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad with a walk through the town.

Police estimated that at least 6,000 Muslim men braved the pouring rain yesterday for the holy march from Oak Street, Bastwell, to the Cutchi Muslim Association Hall at Newton Street for celebration prayers and refreshments.

The march also celebrated the teachings of Khawaja Sufi Mohammad Aslam, a grand spiritual master who moved to Blackburn in the 1980s and died in 1999.

Organisers stressed it was not a political demonstration in light of the visit by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the region this weekend.