Members of the Muslim community have been thanked for their efforts in preventing the spread of coronavirus during Eid.

The Lancashire Resilience Forum has the responsibility for bringing together agencies such as the police, fire, local authorities and health, to respond effectively to any emergency.

Eid-ul-Adha took place on Friday and is held during the annual Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Angie Ridgwell, chief executive of Lancashire County Council and chair of the forum, said: “Our Muslim communities in Lancashire have been outstanding throughout the coronavirus crisis, playing a huge role in helping us to keep it under control.

“There has been an increase in coronavirus infections in parts of Lancashire, including in some of our Muslim communities. We’ve been working hard over recent weeks to control this and stop the spread.

“It was therefore absolutely vital that people understood the need to celebrate Eid in a different way this year.

“The response has been brilliant. I’m incredibly grateful and proud of the way our Muslim communities in Lancashire have engaged with the public health advice and showed us how they could enjoy themselves and celebrate Eid while keeping themselves and others safe.”

She added: “The stories of people celebrating in small groups, following hygiene and social distancing advice while visiting mosques, are a great credit to the county. It shows how strong, caring and supportive our communities really are.

“I’d also like to remind everyone that the risk of coronavirus is still with us and that it’s vital to continue to follow the advice which helps to keep people safe and prevent the virus from spreading.”

The forum is still urging anyone who is feeling unwell or have any symptoms of coronavirus, self-isolate, go online and get a free Covid-19 test at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or call 111.