Ila Shrimanker regularly attends the Hindu Temple in St George.

'When I first arrived in Britain I spoke no English and found that the culture was completely new to me. Going to the Temple was a chance for me to meet many like-minded people who helped me feel more settled and at home.'

The Temple welcomes everybody and each year they hold a Christmas party: 'this demonstrates how the Hindu community lives with the mainstream. It is good for people to come to the Temple and mingle with others and understand the two cultures.'

In addition to being a place of worship, the Temple acts as a social hub for the community. It is where people come together to socialise, meet new, like-minded friends and there is a yoga class, a youth group, language classes and many other activities. Kamlesh Vyas is the temple priest, known as Panditji. 'For many worshippers the Temple is more important than their own house. It is a place that is always here, and where help and support is always available. This provides a sense of great reassurance and security for many people.' People from other religions attend as well as Hindus. 'We welcome everyone. We have an open door policy - so on a visit you will see lots of diverse people here. The only thing we ask is that people take their shoes off before coming in. Provided this rule is followed nobody will disturb you.'