Worshippers at Oldham’s newest Hindu temple are aiming to prove that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well.

Community members from the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir on Copster Hill Road have rallied to ensure that children in impoverished households in the town will receive a Christmas present this year.

In a bid to help create a better Christmas for kids who live in poorer households, resident Sally Maher sent out an appeal for donations of gifts for poorer youngsters.

Those involved with the scheme either purchased a present at a value of £15 for their assigned children, or donated the money for Sally and her colleagues to buy the gifts.

Attendees of the temple, which opened its doors in July, dug deep to lend their support, buying more than 200 presents for children at a total cost of more than £3,200.

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Sally said: “I was absolutely blown away by the support from those who attend the temple.

“I was amazed by the generosity they’ve shown. It’s fantastic and it will definitely make a world of difference to some of the area’s less fortunate children this Christmas.”

Geeta Nardani, from the temple’s community outreach team, said: “There’s been a massive show of support from so many people who use the temple, as well as Strength Hub in Oldham, which is a gym that’s used by a lot of people who go to the temple.

“Bookers Cash and Carry in Gorton have also shown their support by donating chocolates to be given to the children with each present.

“So many people have mucked in and that’s overwhelming, especially when money is tight for so many at this time of year.”

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Temple trustee Hitesh Bhudia said: “Sally has become well known in the community for her fantastic work in recent years, providing thousands of Easter eggs for those people in the borough who are less fortunate than ourselves.

“Now that she’s turned her hand to transforming Christmas for those who would otherwise be enduring a miserable time, we were only too happy to help.

“Our members contributed 217 presents and we can only hope it helps to make the festive season that little bit more enjoyable or children around the borough.”