Prime Minister David Cameron helped celebrate the ground breaking ceremony of a new Hindu temple.

Last month, Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee granted permission for a new development on the grounds of Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Aldenham.

Managing director of the Manor Gauri Das said: “This is a historic time for the Manor.

“The Haveli fulfils the needs of the Temple, respects the concerns of the local village and received full support from Hertsmere Borough Council.

“It is a profound honour that the Prime Minister has put the first spade in the ground.”

Srutidharma Das, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, thanked the Prime Minister and spoke on the importance of the Haveli and the need to ‘promote the spiritual values of tolerance, kindness.’

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden said: “The construction of the Haveli marks the final phase of the Manor’s master plan and coincides with ISKCON’s 50th anniversary.

“Over the years the Hare Krishna temple has become central to the Hindu and our wider community.

“I was so pleased to be able to persuade the Prime Minister to come to this historic event.”