DIWALI celebrations continued in Bolton, with senior councillors joining the town's Hindu community.

The Festival of Lights, as it is known, started on Thursday.

Senior councillors, including Bolton Council leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, visited Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Temple as well as Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple.

Cllr Cox said: "On Friday we were welcomed in several Hindu temples to celebrate Dewali the Festival of Light. We were received with such kindness and warmth and got to witness first hand the whole Hindu community coming together in joy after such a long time in lockdown."

Cllr Mudasir Dean, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: "The Hindu Community are a key part of the Bolton family who contribute so to much to our town. It was great to celebrate the Hindu New year with them after the Diwali activities. I would like to thank then for the honour they bestowed upon us during the visit."

Diwali is a five-day “Festival of Lights” and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

According to the British Sikh Association, Diwali celebrations in UK cities have become probably the largest outside India.

A spokesman told the PA news agency: “Diwali at Trafalgar Square is attended by thousands of people, including tourists visiting the capital who are mesmerized to see the colourful pageant of music, dance and food.”