An MP joined forces with members of the Hindu community to take part in a traditional Indian dance in preparation for a special festival.

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, organised the event alongside Suresh Krishna, the former Mayor of Harrow.

They took part in an outdoor Garba – a spiralling dance that originated in the Indian state of Gujarat and has connotations with fertility and honours the female goddess Durga.

As is the custom, the dance was performed as a run-up to the festival of Navratri, an annual multi-day festival that is treasured by Hindus. This year it runs from September 22 to September 30.

The event was supported by HH Shri Raj Rajeshwar Guruji from the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre and his musical group from India.

Mr Thomas enthusiastically joined in with the other dancers outside the Zoroastrian Centre in Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, and wished everyone observing it a joyous Navratri.