A funeral for Raj Chanan, described as a pillar of support in the community, is being held today.

Mr Chanan, who died this week, was chairman of Ilford Hindu Centre. Cleveland Road, Ilford.

Centre committee member Ravi Bhanot said: “Raj was a larger than life character. He was able to communicate to people young and old and made them feel listened to.”

Mr Chanan, who was in his late 70s, became chairman in 1995 and oversaw many new projects.

Mr Bhanot said: “He was the type of person who made things happen, and his contribution to the community was enormous.”

A funeral service will be held today at 2pm at the City of London Crematorium, Aldersbrook Road, Manor Park. Afterwards there will be a ceremony at the VHP Temple, Cleveland Road, starting at 3.30pm.