More than 2000 people flooded to High Wycombe’s Jubilee Road Mosque on Saturday for the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

The Islamic religious festival follows the fasting that Muslims observed for the past month, as a show of thanks to God.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is intended to bring Muslims closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate than themselves.

During the month, Muslims are encouraged to contribute more time to the mosque and money to charity, with Horizon Sports Club, which provides an after-school sports club for young people with disabilities in South Buckinghamshire, being one of the charities chosen this year.

The mosques were full of worshippers, with Zafar Iqbal, chairman of the Wycombe Islamic Mission, reporting that more than 2000 people visited the Jubilee Road Mosque to take part in two sessions of special prayers.

“There were people having to stand outside as we didn’t have enough room," he said.

“There were lots of young people, in nice clothes, celebrating this religious festival.

“People did lots of good work in Ramadan, and we are encouraging them to carry on this good work past the month of Ramadan.

“We have seen more people in the Mosques during Ramadan, and people engaging positively in local community work and giving to charity.”

Mr Iqbal said that the fine weather contributed to everyone having an enjoyable day of celebration.