London: The Sri Swaminarayan temple here has been named as the top landmark for which residents are most proud in Britain. In a nation-wide poll, more than 2,300 residents voted for the Hindu temple in Neasden, north London, to win the inaugural Pride of Place award. It is one of the biggest traditional Hindu temples to be built in Europe.

Communities Minister Parmjit Dhanda, who will present the award to the temple, told the BBC: "I have heard from many people about what a fantastically inspiring building the temple is, so it is not hard to understand why it generates such pride within the local community." More than 1,500 craftsmen in India carved the 2,820 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tonnes of Italian Carrara marble used in its construction.

The 26,300 carved pieces were then transported to London where they were assembled over a three-year period. The temple opened in 1995 and has attracted millions of visitors. Nearly 36,800 people voted online in the poll. Nine London councils participated and 10 landmarks were nominated from the city.

The other top nine places are: Central Park Peterborough; Bourton on the Water Gloucestershire; Wayland Wood - Breckland District Council, Norfolk; Firepower Museum Greenwich; Barking Abbey - Barking Dagenham; Barley Mow Warrington; Linton Zoo - South Cambridgeshire; Franklin s Gardens Northampton; and Manchester United Football Club - Trafford Metropolitan Borough.

Source : PTI