Worshippers from the Al Jamia Al Zahra mosque, Francis Street, paraded around the town singing hymns and chanting as fireworks exploded overhead.

Young and old alike waved Islamic flags and peace banners and gave out sweets to onlookers as they passed through the streets.

Organiser Shahid Yuonis said: "This season is very special to Sunni Muslims throughout the world and this is just the beginning of 12 days of celebration.

"When you gather like this it gives you such a sense of well being, it's uplifting to be part of it, and it fills your heart with love."

The march was led by Professor Syed Ahmad Hussain Shah, with dignitaries from across the UK, Europe and Pakistan, behind him.

Marchers, dressed in a mix of western and Islamic traditional clothes, stopped half way through for a sermon in Urdu. Litter pickers walked behind the parade clearing any mess left behind.

The march – divided into men's and women's sections – ended at Parkinson Lane Primary School, Halifax, where pupils greeted the walkers with snacks and flag waving.

Imran Sajid, 16, of Hanson Lane, who took part, said: "It's brilliant to see so many people coming together to celebrate. It makes you feel like you're part of something worthwhile.