Women from all types of backgrounds gathered at a community iftar on Monday evening to learn about Islam and the reasons why Muslims fast during Ramadan.

The women’s advisory board at Noor Ul Islam mosque in Leyton High Road hosted 60 guests at the all-female event in Walthamstow’s Hoe Street.

Members of the board recited prayers and sang religious songs before the fast was broken shortly before 9pm.

Waltham Forest Council leader Clare Coghill and police officers based in the borough were among those in attendance.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims around the world who fast from dawn until sunset.