Mayor of London Boris Johnson visited a new Hindu temple for a tour of its community centre.

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, in Kingsbury, is currently under construction and set to open in August this year.

The Mayor was given a tour of the site to see how work was coming along and see the temple’s new community centre at its official opening today.

Hundreds of people were at the temple for the visit where Mr Johnson who was greeted by the temple’s own pipe band, which was formed by members in 1972, in traditional Scottish regalia.

During the visit Mr Johnson, who was presented with a traditional turban, said: “I want to congratulate the entire temple community for what they have achieved here.

“This Mandir is part of the reason people from all over the world want to come to this city.

“They come because it is a welcoming place that brings its 300 languages and communities together to celebrate our diversity.

“In 200 years' time people will still be able to come and visit this peaceful place in Kingsbury and it will be part of the fabric of London.

“People should realise the important role of religious voluntary organisations play in the communities on London. This Mandir and community centre will be a great asset to this whole area.”

Temple trustee Dr Mahesh Varsani thanked the mayor for attending the event, before inviting him to the official opening of the Mandir in August.

The new temple in Kingsbury cost £20 million to build, all of the money being raised by the community and through the sale of its previous site in Golders Green.

Its new multi-purpose centre offers a variety of sporting, social and family activities and is open to the wider community of Brent and Harrow.