TENS of thousands of Muslims from across the country are expected to head to a Hampshire village for an annual international event.

More than 30,000 British Muslims from the Ammadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) will be joined by millions from across the world when they take part in a three-day conference near Alton from Friday.

Oakland Farm in East Worldham will transform into Hadeeqatul Mahdi, a global village with accommodation, kitchen, food, bazaar, library, book stalls, TV and radio stations.

The event, known as Jalsa Salana, is the largest and longest standing annual Muslim convention in the UK and has been running for 48 years.

His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, worldwide head of the AMC, will open the conference by delivering a speech promoting spirituality, peace and compassion and raising the Union Flag.

Delegates from 89 countries across the world will be taking part in the peaceful movement which will feature exhibitions on the community and human rights throughout the three days.

The conference begins at 4.30pm after the Friday prayer with the inaugural speech at 6pm.

Saturday and Sunday will see events running from 10.30am to about 5pm.

Most of the visitors are staying on the 200-acre farm or in hotels nearby.

The event ends when participants pledge their commitment to helping those in need around the world and in their community.