A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to help refurbish funeral service facilities at Dudley Mosque and Community Centre.

Mohammed Sagir will take on the Dudley Trail this Sunday to raise funds to help the ongoing improvement of funeral service facilities at the centre which will see upgrades made to the the shower room with new tiling and the installation of a new freezer.

It is a cause close to Mohammed's heart as his father's funeral took place at the mosque when the Dudley businessman was a youngster.

The 49-year-old was also moved to act after seeing the rise in the number of funerals taking place at the Birmingham Street mosque during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mohammed, who is an ambassador for businesses in Dudley town centre, said: "The community centre in Dudley needed upgrading and work has already started on it.

"I feel really strongly about it, it's been my mosque since 1977 and it means a lot to me."

In line with Islamic funeral services, bodies are bathed at the community centre ahead of the burial.

Mohammed aims to raise £200 for the cause and donations can be made here.

He is also encouraging people to take part in this weekend's trek around the Dudley borough's beauty spots.

He added: "I do it every year, it's great. I would encourage more people to join in if they can."

The popular Dudley Trail event returns for its 40th year this Sunday (September 14) after it was postponed in the Spring due to the pandemic.

It will see people pound the paths of the borough to explore sites of natural and historical interest with many people taking on the challenge for a good cause.

People must book in advance to take part by visiting the Himley Hall and Park website.