A HINDU temple in one of Preston's most deprived areas is to tackle its community's neglect of their health.

The Swaminarayan Hindu Mission, Avenham Place, has received a £3,000 grant from the North West Lancashire Health Authority to put on a series of educational seminars for its 50 strong congregation.

Gulab Singh, the authority's health promotion manager, said this was the first time they had ever awarded a grant for such a project.

And Gerry Limbachia, public relations officer for the religious organisation, said many in the Hindu community risked heart disease through lack of exercise and poor diets.

He hoped the seminars, which will be given by professionals throughout the next six months, would readdress this inequality in health awareness.

Some of the topics will include blood pressure, heart disease, diet, exercise and stress.

There will also be seminars designed specifically for children about substance abuse and relationships.

"We are delighted to take the lead in delivering this project for our community," said Mr Limbachia.

"This is the first time where funding has been available for our community which is based in the 'high deprived SRB area of Avenham.

"I think there is a negligence with many to their own health and this is about how they can better themselves.

"They don't give enough time to exercise and are risking heart disease with a poor diet.

"We want to encourage them to be more active and to teach them things that they didn't previously know.

"Health is important to everyone and it doesn't affect you just because you are certain colour, creed or race."

Mr Singh said: "The Health Authority is pleased to support this project which recognises the need to build within the voluntary and community sector.

"This important project will help engage a number of various groups with the health agenda and be aware of the issues affecting accessing health services provisions more effectively.

"The project is first for this organisation."