A Newport Bangladeshi organisation is preparing for its first Eid festival without one of its most influential members, but says he will not be forgotten.

Istiack Ahmed was a founding member of the Anondho Dhara (Flow of Enjoyment) group whose activities involve around half of Newport's 4,000 strong Bangladeshi community.

Mr Ahmed from Bishton Street, Maindee was 44 when he was killed last November in a car accident when on an aid trip back to his native country.

A plaque commemorating his life and work has been made and is due to be placed in the organisation's office on Methuen Road.

Special prayers will also be said for him this Sunday at the Shahporan Mosque on Hereford Street, Maindee.

Anondho Dhara has been organising Eid Festivals for the last eight years at Maindee Primary School to celebrate the end of the Haj or pilgrimage to Mecca.

Senior official Mashahid Ali, 36 of Corporation Road said: "The festival is planned for six to eight months in advance and Istiack would have been involved in the process and getting everything ready.

"We will all remember him at this year's event and talk about this loss, but he would want us to move forward with what we are doing.

"We'll be raising money for victims of the Bangladesh cyclone which I know is something he would have wanted."

The event on January 27 will include traditional Islamic artist Shaam, guest speakers, local AMs and MPs, poem recitals, role plays and food and clothes stores.

It is expected that around 600 people will attend.

Mr Ahmed leaves behind a wife Rabia Sharmin and daughter Anika Tabussun, two.