THREE good causes have benefited after a a 'fantastic' response to an appeal for food and clothes.

Bolton Hindu Forum organised drop off points at the Swaminarayan temple in Adelaide Street and Vthe eda Mandir temple and community centre, in Thomas Holden Street.

Paras Agravat, project development officer, said the forum had been 'inundated' with donations.

And, thanks to the community's generosity, Bolton Community Kitchen, Homeless Aid UK and Foodcycle have all received a very welcome boost.

Mr Agravat said: "Thank you to everyone who came and helped, we sorted all the food and clothes, as well as paint the Gujarati school classroom. This is just the start and we’re aiming to do regular community service activities going forward.

"It’s brilliant to see the Hindu community working in unity for the betterment of the wider community, so get involved and thank you to all again!"

Donations are still welcome and the forum is now looking to make the 'donation day' a quarterly activity.

It is planning to have its next service – or 'sewa' day – on Sunday, May 6.

Mr Agravat added: "None of this is possible without everyone working together, and we need more of your help going forward. If you are a temple or community centre and would like to be a drop off point, please let us know.

"We have also had a number of suggestions to send items abroad to help charity groups in other countries. This is definitely something we can look at in the future. "

Anyone interested in sewa activities, or who would like to help in create a Bolton sewa team should contact Bolton Hindu Forum on 01204 238018 or email pm@boltonhinduforum.org.uk