Imam Hassan has certainly made a lasting impression since he arrived in Gloucester eight years ago to take on the role at the Masjid-E-Noor Mosque in Ryecroft Street, Barton.

Originally from Leicester he studied Islam at university for 10 years and after graduating got his first job in Hull, as an Imam at a mosque. Imam Hassan is a Kari Hafiz, which means he can recite the Qu'ran off by heart and has very quickly fallen in love with the city and community he now represents.

On a Friday he regularly has over 700 for prayers and during school holidays this can peak to over 1,200 with an additional prey being offered for another 150 or so.

His open-minded approach has led him to work outside and influence the wider community breaking down barriers and offering a wider positive and modern view of Islam.