MORE THAN 500 members of a Gwent Islamic group marched through Newport city centre yesterday to commemorate the martyrdom of a Shia Muslim figurehead.

Muslims from across the area gathered on Stow Hill for the annual event organised by the Islamic Society for Gwent.

Every year, the group holds a march in memory of Imam Hussain, who was martyred in Karbala, Iraq, 14 centuries ago.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims commemorate the battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad and the spiritual leader of the Shia Muslims.

Carrying banners and singing, members of the Muslim community, formed a procession and marched from the society's base on Stow Hill, along Victoria Place, down Hill Street, along Commercial Street and back up Stow Hill.