A DANCER who teaches classes in Harrow has been given an award in India for his services to the arts.

Pratap Pawar, from Hounslow, was presented with a Padma Shri, an award from the government of India, in recognition of his contribution to the world of dance.

The award was presented to Mr Pawar by the Prime Minister of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil on May 1 in New Delhi.

Mr Pawar, who teaches classes at the Harrow Arts Centre, in Uxbridge Road, has lived and worked in the UK for the past 20 years.

He said: "I was pleased with the award, but when they asked me for my acceptance I told them that it was a bit late.

"I have done many wonderful performances in India and I have been dancing for 50 years."

The dancer is part of the Triveni Dance Company and teaches Kathak, a north Indian classical dance. In India the Padma Shri is fourth in the hierarchy of civilian awards after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan.

Mr Pawar has also received the Par Excellence Award, which recognises non-resident Indians for their outstanding contribution to the arts in a foreign country.

For more information on Pratap Pawar visit www.pratappawar.com