A HINDU temple has made an urgent appeal for donations as India eland battles with shortages of beds and oxygen and a spiralling coronavirus death toll.

Distressing images emerging from the sub continent has left the local Indian community heartbroken ­— but determined to try and help those caught up in the devastating coronavirus crisis.

Special prayers will be said on Sunday at Bolton's VHP (UK) Hindu Temple, commonly know at the Veda Mandir Temple, which has launched the appeal.

Hirendra Patel, spiritual co-ordinator at the temple, said: "With a large Indian diaspora living here in Bolton, many of whom with family and strong personal connections with India, the Hindu Temple has sprung into action and launched an appeal to raise donations for charities working on the ground in India.

"It is very worrying for Indian families in Bolton, many of whom have relatives in India. The coronavirus crisis means that they cannot go over there and help as they have been able to when there has been a disaster, such as an earthquake. This has left many people feeling helpless, but we are in contact with Sewa UK which has people on the ground helping.

"We have had a very good response to the appeal already, £15 can provide hand sanitiser and face masks for a family and £350 can provide an oxygen cylinder, so the money donated will make a difference. So as little as £15 could save a family."

He added: "India has sadly seen a huge shortage of supplies, oxygen, hospital beds and facilities to be able to cope with the demand and the strain being placed on the nation, as thousands of individuals are losing their lives everyday to the coronavirus.

"Makeshift crematorium sites are being built overnight to assist family members in giving their loved ones a Hindu funeral; many of which are now operating on a 24 hour basis."

He added: "The money will go towards oxygen cylinders, medical supplies and assistance for schools, orphanages and other community centres.

"With many of us having had at least one vaccination in the UK, and with the number of cases dropping here, our attention and thoughts have now turned to give our support and sympathies for those who are sadly still battling against this horrific virus.

"The temple is holding a special prayer ceremony on Sunday 2nd May to offer prayers for India, and the world, and to encourage as many people as possible to donate towards a global relief effort."

The temple is one of a number of religious places in Bolton to coordinate a relief effort.

Donations can be made by bank transfer ­— account number 20921688 sort code 20-10-71 or by ringing 07956 887833 or email VHP.Bolton@gmail.com

Prayers will take place at 1pm and will be streamed on the temple's Facebook page and YouTube channel