Muslims paraded through Watford as they celebrated the birth of the Prophet Muhammad today.

An open-top bus led Muslims from the Central Mosque through the town centre to the North Watford Mosque, as they chanted and sang songs to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Watford Milaad Committee, which organised the event, said: “The procession was peaceful and yet cheerful with songs of praise celebrating the Birth of Prophet Muhammad. Residents said it was well organised and a lovely experience.”

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill addressed the crowd from the top of the bus.

She said: “It’s a good sign of a healthy town when a community feels they can celebrate the birth of their prophet and feel safe doing it.”

The pre-organised parade took place on the same day as the unity march in Paris following the atrocities in France last week.

Councillor Asif Khan, who took part in the Watford parade, said: “Our thoughts were with the victims in France and many expressed how Islam is a religion of peace.”

Jade Smith took this photo and said the display, which included colourful banners, ‘brought a tear to her eye’.

The 26-year-old said: “They were so passionate and emotional; it made me proud to see it happening in my hometown.

“They said about ‘standing with the world to unite for peace’ and that’s when I got emotional.

"It felt as though everyone was coming together to stand up for peace and I think that is definitely needed.”