Tony Lloyd and Richard Farnell guest speakers at Community Iftar Dinner

Guests at the Community Iftar Dinner

Tony Lloyd, the Labour candidate for Rochdale in the forthcoming general election, and Councillor Richard Farnell, the Labour Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, were guest speakers at a 'Community Iftar Dinner' at Castlemere Community Centre on Friday night.

Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together.

Councillor Farnell said: “It was very nice to be invited to the celebrations to break the fast. It demonstrates that different communities are as united and stronger in the face of recent events like the terror attack.

“It’s important for all sections of our community and all religions to come together and demonstrate that we always work together.”

Tony Lloyd said: “Ramadan is a month of sacrifice for all Muslims. To go through a fast as long as the day lasts is a really tough call

"To join in the celebrations is a joy to me and a pleasure for them and is something I’m proud to be a part of.”

The dinner was organised by Councillor Aasim Rashid, Faisal Rana and Mohammad Arshad. Councillor Rashid said: "In the true spirit of Ramadan, food and monetary donations are being given to Rochdale Foodbank for the benefit of the needy."