Hundreds of people attended the annual Sewa Day charity cricket tournament and fun day as it returned on Sunday, raising thousands of pounds for a variety of worthy causes.

Jointly organised by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Basingstoke and the Basingstoke Hindu Society, the family fun day took place at May's Bounty Cricket Club on Fairfield Road.

The day began early, with a yoga session to mark International Yoga Day, followed by a cricket tournament, with 12 teams battling for the trophy.

One of the organisers Vinnet Singh said “it was a bit hectic” with 21 matches being played throughout the day, but it was “worthwhile for the community”.

Following the day of cricket, there was a well-earned homecooked Indian vegetarian meal on offer, and a bouncy castle to entertain the young ones.

Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Paul Miller, attended, and his chosen charities - The Pink Place and Tough Enough To Care - will be two of the benefiting causes.

Funds raised will also be split with the Sewa International Sri Lanka Appeal, and Basingstoke Young Carers.

Although money is still being counted, Vinnet said that around £3,000 has been raised from the fun day.

The word ‘Sewa’ comes from Sanskrit language meaning ‘service’ or, to be more precise, ‘selfless efforts for welfare of all’. This is a flagship event of HSS Basingstoke that takes place every year in the month of June.

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