Thousands of members of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community gathered at its Southfields headquarters last week after the death of their leader Hadrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad.

A 100-car funeral cortege wound its way from the London Mosque, in Gresenhall Road, up Sutherland Grove and West Hill to the funeral ceremony in Tilford, Surrey, on Wednesday, attended by 15,000 mourners.

Indian-born Mr Ahmad, 74, moved to England in 1955 and took up residence at the Fazal Mosque, Southfields, in April 1984.

Described as "a gifted poet, a keen sportsman and a prolific writer", Mr Ahmad's achievements included the creation of an international satellite television station.

National president Rafiq Ahmad Hayat said: " He was tireless in his efforts to lead and guide the community."

May 1, 2003 10:00