A STAGGERING 15,000 people crowded on to the streets of Daubhill and Deane at the weekend to enjoy a colourful Indian procession.

The launch of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Arts and Culture Centre in Deane Road has involved five days of celebration and attracted people from all over the world, including India, America, Kenya and Dubai.

Families from the Indian community were joined on Saturday by curious members of the wider Bolton community to watch the beautiful chariot procession which started in Morris Lane before winding along Derby Road, College Way ending at the Deane Road temple.

At least 1,000 followers of the Hindu-based Swaminarayan religion, had travelled to Bolton from London and just as many Bolton people are expected to make the return journey to the capital for celebrations next week.

The High Priest, His Divine Holiness Acharaya Shree Purushottoampriyadasji Swamishree, who had travelled to the UK along with 29 Holy Saints, sat on the chariot, which had been crafted in the shape of a swan.

An Asian band which played in the procession added an unusual cultural twist as they wore full tartan and played Scottish pipes.

Deane Road temple spokesman, Lalji Khimji said: "All the celebrations have been a great success this week and today is just fantastic.

"Months of work have gone into the float and people have been up until the early hours adding the finishing touches.

"We're glad so many different members of the community are supporting the procession today because we want to share the new centre with the whole community and we're pleased so many local schools have also shown an interest."