The elected mayor of Watford is taking part in a Ramadan-style fast to raise money for a Muslim youth centre in the town.

The Watford Muslim Youth Centre Trust is aiming to build a multipurpose community centre in Tolpits Lane.

The community centre, which will cost a total of £1.5million to complete, will offer a range of educational and recreational activities to people of all ages and backgrounds and aims to provide a safe environment for young people to have fun and learn.

A number of events have already taken place to help the trust raise £132,000 for the project.

Mayor Thornhill, who will be fasting on Sunday, June 21, said the centre will be a "great benefit" to the Watford community.

She said: "This project will be of great benefit to the local community, promoting togetherness within Watford and bringing a whole range of people together.

"I am keen that we help build bridges between various ethnic and age groups which will ensure a sustainable and strong community in Watford now and in the future. This project will help do just that."

Mayor Thornhil said the fast would be an exciting challenge.

She said: "I am excited about fasting in Ramadan although I have never deprived myself of food and drink completely.

"I think this will be a great challenge to overcome and I believe that this will be good for my wellbeing, both inside and out."