Princess Anne presents King's Award to Hindu group

The Princess Royal visited the Wellingborough Hindu District Association in Northamptonshire

The Princess Royal has presented a Hindu community charity with the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

It recognises the contribution made by the Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA) since it began more than 50 years ago.

Princess Anne visited the organisation on 17 July but details have only just been released.

A spokesperson from the WDHA said: "Volunteers are an integral part of our success, and this award is in recognition of their valuable contribution."

Princess Anne met some of the town's Hindu community

WDHA began in the early 1970s, when local volunteers came together to form a community hub.

After years of fundraising, they purchased a building that became the Sanatan Hindu Mandir, where members now meet.

Princess Anne and Northamptonshire's lord-lieutenant James Saunders Watson were greeted with traditional Hindu customs, including a garland ceremony, before meeting with volunteers and local dignitaries.

They watched a folk dance performance showcasing India's cultural heritage and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The day ended with the formal presentation of the King's Award.

Chair of WDHA Vinod Patel said the visit helped to highlight "generations of volunteers whose dedication made this possible".