LANCASHIRE Muslims making the Hajj pilgrimage this year are being given advice to make sure their journey is a safe one.

A special event, which is supported by the Lancashire Council of Mosques, is being held in Burnley this Friday (17 October).

During the event there will be a Hajj safety presentation by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Constabulary and the National Health Service followed by a question and answer session.

The presentation has been designed to address safety issues and raise awareness to those members of the community who will be embarking on the potentially once in a lifetime journey.

The event will be opened by community protection manager John Phethean of the Fire & Rescue Service and Superintendent Bob Eastwood, head of Lancashire Constabulary’s community cohesion and diversity unit.

Each year more than 25,000 British Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj which is of immense importance to Muslim people worldwide. Of those 25,000, around 7,000 will be making the trip from Lancashire to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, said: "Hajj is a profound celebration of faith for pilgrims from all over the world.

"I am delighted we have had the opportunity to work with Lancashire Constabulary and NHS colleagues in extending our service to people travelling to Hajj from Lancashire by offering safety advice to follow while on pilgrimage.

"I add my best wishes to those of colleagues from our partnership agencies in wishing pilgrims a safe and memorable Hajj."

Superintendent Bob Eastwood, head of Lancashire Constabulary’s Community Cohesion and Diversity Unit, added: "The Hajj safety presentation has been designed to highlight safety issues for Lancashire Muslims before, during and after making the pilgrimage.

"For many years there has been a need to raise awareness of safety issues but it is hoped that this presentation will not only help make Lancashire pilgrims safer, but also communities outside Lancashire.

"We will continue to work with our partner agencies in the future in order to keep the communities of Lancashire safe wherever they may be in the world."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service community fire safety practitioner Faz Patel said: "The Hajj Project will greatly benefit the Muslim community in Lancashire, and across the country, making a big difference in terms of safety issues."

The programme has been endorsed by Lord Adam Patel, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Leader of the UK Hajj Delegation.

Lord Patel added: "For so many years there has been a gap to do with safety. I hope this programme will not only help pilgrims in Lancashire enjoy a safe Hajj, but will have an impact on all pilgrims."