A group of students took part in a nine-hour chant to mark a special year for them.

Students from across the south of England arrived at the Ilford VHP temple, Albert Road, Ilford, last week for a special chant to mark the 20th year that the Hindu Students Forum has been active in universities.

Suraj Bhanot, co-ordinator for the National Hindu Students Forum, said: “We had representatives from 17 university societies and students attended from all over the country from as far away as Leeds and Hull.

“The event went amazingly and we couldn’t have asked for more.

“There were 350 people in attendance for the finale, after starting off with around 40 people at 10am.”

There were activities such as face painting for the younger worshippers and stalls raising money for various national charities.

Mr Bhanot added: “We have had incredible feedback from the local community thanking us for choosing Ilford and asking if the same can be organised next year.”