A four-day Hindu festival in Hounslow celebrating the triumph of good over evil is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors.

Durga Puja is being marked for the fifth year running at the Ashiana Banqueting Hall in Bell Road, Hounslow.

As usual, the celebrations will include a mixture of prayers, dance and music, and free food will be served up to the masses each day.

This year's event will run from Friday, October 7 to Monday, October 10, and organisers stress that anyone is welcome to attend - not just Hindus.

Chetan Kashyap, president of the organising committee, said: "The festivities will showcase different parts of India and the role of British Asians in society.

"We're keen for as many people as possible to come, whatever their background or religion, and join in the celebrations."

He added that they were expecting even larger crowds than last year, when an estimated 7,000 visitors turned up over the four days.

Durga Puja marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mashishasura.

This year's festival will run from 11.30am till late on the Friday (October 7), 9am-late on the Saturday and Sunday, and from 9am-2.30pm on the Monday.

Food will be served at 1pm and 8pm each day, though there will be no evening service on the Monday.