AN EID-ul-Fitr celebration was held at Chesham's Elgiva Theatre last Friday, welcoming 150 people in a cross-cultural evening of entertainment and awards.

Children from Chesham Mosque's Community Deen Group read Arabic poems, prayers and sang a song, and the Khayaal Theatre Company told tales of wisdom from the Muslim world.

Two "Community Champion" awards were also presented by Mimi Harker from Community First and Chiltern District Council.

The first award was for Mohammed Zafar, chairman of the Mosque Committee, who has helped to raise £1.3m for the rebuilding of the Chesham Mosque.

Mr Zafar said: "I am really pleased my efforts have been recognised. I see it as my duty and would urge everyone to get involved in voluntary and charity work."

The other award went to Aunty Jamila Khartoum, who raised thousands of pounds for Asian earthquake victims by selling her cooking. There were also several stalls at the event selling jewellery and shawls for the disaster appeal.

Cllr Harker said: "This is a historic first pilot event for communities to come together and celebrate a happy and peaceful Eid in an entertaining way."

Eid, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is the most auspicious day in the Muslim calendar and a time of family celebration.

Mayor of Chesham Chris Spruy-tenburg and Chesham Mosque's Muheed Ashraf opened the event, which was organised by Paradigm Housing Group, Chiltern District Council, Chiltern Racial Equality Council and Bucks County Council.

Cllr Spruytenburg said: "I hope that the partnerships involved will develop and make this an annual event."