RESIDENTS and key community members gathered in Worcester yesterday to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

The Eid Milan celebration was held at Unity House in Stanley Road, Worcester, with the aim of bringing communities together.

Representatives from West Mercia police, the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association and Worcestershire County Council attended.

Malik Fayaz, chairman of the Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, said: “It is an opportunity for people of all faiths to come together and share the sense of celebration and give a message of love, friendship and mutual respect to the wider community.”

The local policing team handed out balloons to youngsters and showed them inside a police riot van while special constables were on hand to speak to people about joining the force.

Acting Superintendent Iain Bailey said: “It is extremely important for us to come along and spend some time with the people from the Muslim community.”

Community members addressed the audience, and Worcester’s deputy mayor Andy Roberts said: “I thank all Worcester citizens of the Muslim faith who through their observance of Ramadan have helped us appreciate the value of moderation, the need for faith and the importance of self discipline.”