Muslims got together to celebrate the forthcoming end of Ramadan.

The countdown to Eid al-Fitr began with a flag-raising ceremony on Community Square, Gravesend, last Thursday.

The religious holiday – which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of fasting – will be celebrated by Muslims globally on Friday.

Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association chairman Bilal Farooq said: “Eid al-Fitr is a special time for the Muslim community as it marks the end of the month of dawn to sunset fasting of Ramadan.

"We were grateful to raise the Eid flag to celebrate this and celebrate the positive contribution made by the Muslim community locally in Gravesham.”

More than 100 people attended the event jointly hosted by Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association, Shah Jalal Mosque, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Gravesham council.

Among those who attended and spoke were the Deputy Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Jon Caller, Kent Equality Cohesion Council chief executive Gurvinder Sandher, and Farooq.

Mr Sandher, a newly-appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, said: “We have a long and proud history of working in partnership with the Gravesham and Dartford Muslim Association, and we are honoured to be involved in another Eid celebration.

"Events like this provide opportunities for everyone to be educated on the Muslim faith, come together and celebrate all that connects us together as members of the local community."