Quad bikes, balloons, rickshaws and floats were out as more than 3,000 people celebrated the re-opening of a Hindu temple in Woolwich.

The Hindu temple, or Mandir, opened on August 6 and is the biggest of its kind in south east London.

The festivities kicked off at 1pm at the Royal Artillery Barracks field with 400 helium balloons sent into the air and live music by the Air Cadets.

This was the beginning of a nine day of celebrations for the SKSS on St Margaret’s Grove in Woolwich.

Guests from around the world, from India, Kenya, Australia and the US came to Woolwich for the event, as well as people from temples across the UK such as Bolton, Cardiff, Leicester and Crawley.

As well as a prayer-hall, the temple re-opens with a wedding hall and community centre, which will host various activities such as Yoga and music classes.

There is also an education centre which will provide supplementary classes for English and Maths to GCSE level and IT training for adults.

Patricia Middleton said: “The new Hindu Temple in St Margaret's Grove is a joy to visit. I had such a warm welcome today, two beautiful ladies in saris guided me around the temple, the largest in South East London.

“It was so interesting learning about their culture and religion, and am in awe of their community spirit.”