CROWDS gathered on the streets of Newport today for the annual peace procession to celebrate the prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Members of the Islamic community congregated at the Al-Noor mosque on Harrow Street before making their way to the Jamia Mosque on Commercial Road.

The procession attracted more than 50 people of all ages with hundreds at the Jamia Mosque where an award ceremony and presentations took place.

Simon Boyle, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, was one of the guest speakers at the presentation where awards were handed out to the children who had achieved a high standard in their Arabic classes at the mosque.

Javid Mujahid, one of the organisers, said: "It's a great community occasion, many women and other members are meeting us at the mosque. The weather has stayed dry for us, it has been so far so good.

"It's a celebration for the whole community."

Mr Mujahid said it is a multi-cultural event celebrating the diverse nature of Newport residents.

Men and children took part in the procession carrying green flags and banners for the two mile route.

This year's event saw the hair of the prophet Muhammad shown during the presentations.

Dr Kasim Ramzan, said: "This is the first time that these children get to see the hair of the prophet, that is what's attracted so many of them here today. It is a very significant event to see a living relic of the prophet."

Abdul Rahman Mujahid, said: "The whole community is welcome here, it's a celebration of the birthday which brings everyone together. The prophet's hair has been brought today from Birmingham where it is kept."