A TEMPLE held a special Universal Peace Prayers event in the presence of spiritual leader Acharaya Swamishree Purshottampriyadasji Maharaj.

The prayers took place at the Swaminarayan Gadi Mandir in Deane Road during the visit by the head of the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, a worldwide centre for spiritual, cultural and social welfare.

They were led by one of the disciples, followed by the Bishop of Bolton, the Rev Mark Ashcroft and Saeed Akuji from the Bolton Council of Mosques.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Roger Hayes, Bolton MPs Yasmin Qureshi and Sir David Crausby, Sgt Rob Knight from Greater Manchester Police, the Rev Phil Mason and other members of the community.

Cllr Hayes welcomed the spiritual leader to Bolton and acknowledged the contributions from his community through the Bag Pipe Band’s charity work and community faith trails in Bolton.

It also included a classical dance performances from a young girls and young boys group.

Ganshyam Patel, chairman of the Mandir said: "We thought it was very appropriate to invite the dignitaries and community group members to come together in presence of his divine holiness for peace prayers, which always helps to unite our diverse communities.

"Praying for peace is one of those values we all share in our faiths and cultures. We were very pleased with the attendance, performances from our young members and support from our own community.”