Worshippers at a Hindu temple in Harrow have donated hundreds of pounds to a charity appeal for older people.

The £701 raised at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Palmerston Road after a prayer and song evening two weeks ago will go to Age UK Harrow, the Mayor of Harrow’s chosen charity.

The Mayor, Councillor Nizam Ismail, said he was “overwhelmed by the generosity” of people at the temple after receiving a cheque from its founder, Rajeshi Parmar.

He added: “Age UK Harrow provides essential services to the over-50s in Harrow, and I hope that others can follow suit and donate to this worthy cause too.”

There are more than 34,000 elderly people, aged 65 and above living in the Borough and last year the charity managed to help 13,000.

It has more than 120 volunteers who help elderly people around the borough by changing light bulbs, helping buy shopping, organising days out and supporting those who are living alone.

Age UK does not receive money from a national level and relies on volunteers and fundraising on a local level.