Interesting drone footage shows a new mosque in Blackburn that is "nearing completion" and is being funded by the Issa Foundation.

The footage of the Masjid-e-Vali mosque was taken by local photographer Dan Conway, who flew into the sky. The site of the former Westholme Lower School on Preston New Road was cleared for construction in March 2021 after obtaining planning permission.

Funding for the project comes from the Issa Foundation, a registered charity set up in 2016, which has Euro Garages founders Mohsin and Zuber Issa listed as trustees.

Mohsin and Zuber Issa, who both attended Witton Park High School, were brought up by Indian-born Vali and Zubeda who came to the UK from Gujarat in the 1960s to work in Lancashire's textile industry.

In a nod to the brothers' philanthropic vision they were both appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to business and charity. They are also behind the construction of five mansions in Billinge End Road and the country's first drive-thru Indian street food restaurant in Bolton.

Muhammed Ikhtar, who lives near Preston New Road, said the new mosque was "clearly nearing completion".

"It looks so impressive and everything has been done to the most incredible standard," he said as he walked past the site. "They've done an amazing job.

"The Issa brothers have always stayed true to their roots and it's great to see them giving something back to the town where their empire started.

"It was a shame that the old school was demolished, because it was a beautiful building, but this is progress. It's better that the site is put to good use rather than just staying empty and derelict."