The awe-inspiring Neasden Temple in Brent has been voted the attraction which residents are most proud of in England, according to the results of a nationwide poll.

Nearly 37,000 people voted online for 'Pride of Place' after local authorities invited visitors to click and vote for one of ten locally-nominated top spots on their websites.

Nationally the Neasden Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir) in Brent received the most votes with 2,344 people going online to register their pride. The temple is an amazing architectural gem constructed by skilled craftsmen from 2,000 tons of Italian marble and 3,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone.

Communities Minister, Parmjit Dhanda said: "It was heartening to see citizens across England visit their local authority websites to vote for the attraction which makes them feel most proud of their own community. The poll was an entertaining introduction to the world of essential local information and services which are available on council websites. I am delighted to hear the Neasden Temple won the poll, it is an inspiring building of which the whole country can be proud."

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Cllr Paul Lorber, Leader of Brent Council, said: "The Swaminarayan Temple is an amazing Brent landmark which fully deserves the recognition of topping the Pride of Place poll.

"It has been described as the 'eighth wonder of the world' and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is made entirely out of marble and every piece was hand-carved. It is a building that the whole borough can rightly be proud of. In addition to the magnificent building, visitors to the Temple will also receive a warm welcome from the hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to make the Temple a success."

The Pride of Place poll is part of the Government's 'Connect to your Council' campaign, which aims to encourage citizens to access their local authority services online - anytime, anywhere. People can now use council websites to find out anything from planning information to applying for school places.

Alternatively, they can visit www.direct.gov.uk/mycouncil for more details of the range of online services now available.

(JM)