THE largest Sikh temple outside India was officially opened in Southall last weekend in front of a crowd of thousands.

Building work for the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara temple in Havelock Road, Southall, began in May 2000, and cost just under £17m.

All the money for the temple was raised by the local community.

The massive new building (left) has a first floor prayer hall as well as a second floor gallery area. It can seat 3,000 people. The temple will also be used as a community centre with a teaching room, library, and a dining hall capable of serving meals to more than 20,000 people at festival weekends.