One of Bolton’s leading doctors has fasted today to show support for his Muslim colleagues during the month of Ramadan.

Dr Francis Andrews, medical director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, began his fast on the morning of Thursday April 4, going the rest of the day without food or drink.

He said undertook his fast both to support Muslim members of staff at the trust and as a mark of respect to Muslim patients.

Dr Andrews said: “I got up at 4.30am and made sure that by sunrise I'd had my breakfast of porridge, a cup of tea, a cup of coffee and plenty of water.

"I want to show support for the many Muslim members of staff we have in this wonderful organisation, and as a mark of respect for the many Muslim patients we have in our community as well who are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

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"It's about showing my support for this and understanding their needs during this time."

During the holy month of Ramadan members of the Islamic faith all over the world go without food or water from dawn until sunset.

The month will come to an end with the festival of Eid next week, one of the holiest dates in the Islamic calendar.