Hindu worshippers from all corners of Oxfordshire gathered for the first time to pray together on Sunday.

Members of the county's 500-strong Hindu community hosted the hour-long communal prayer at a 'temple', in Kennington Village Hall, which was specially blessed for the occasion. About 130 people turned out for the ancient religious ceremony held around a sacred fire to recite Sanskrit mantras, sing songs and burn incense.

Jagruti Bhuva, 44, of Woodcroft, Kennington, said: "It was excellent. We had a great response. It has not been done like this before in Oxford.

"First we had a celebration called Havan Yajna, where we had a small fire and we said prayers around it.

"It's the most important part of the celebration. It's normally done at home with the family because by lighting the fire, you are getting rid of any evil spirits, but it's done in the temple too."

Organisers want to host the event each month with the next on October 5. A campaign has been launched to build a temple in Oxford.