Muslim pupils at a Southampton secondary school will be allowed a day off from school next week to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Weston Secondary School has issued a letter to parents following guidance from Imams at Medina Mosque, and students at the school will be excused on March 31, allowing them to partake in Eid al-Fitr festivities.

In a letter sent to parents on March 21, which has also been published on the school's website, a spokesperson for Weston Secondary School said: "At Weston Secondary School, we recognise that many of our families will be celebrating Eid-al-Fitr from Sunday 30th March and Monday 31st of March.

"The school has spoken with Imams from Medina Mosque who have advised that the day off should be on Monday 31st of March only.

"All students participating in this religious celebration will be expected back in school from Tuesday 1st April."

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Eid al-Fitr is a holiday celebrated worldwide, marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.

Parents are asked to complete a form or contact the school attendance team to confirm their child's absence.

For students attending school on Monday, a special prayer space will be provided during lunchtime, although they will need to bring their own prayer mats.

The school has laid down rules to respect the use of this space, including removing shoes before entering, no food or drink, and ensuring the area is left clean and tidy.