The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Basingstoke branch distributed thousands of pounds to various charities.

The fundraising event, now in its 10th year, was organised following a successful charity cricket tournament.

HSS UK is a cultural organisation dedicated to promoting Hindu values and community service.

Its Basingstoke branch distributed £4,000 to various charities at a special event on Friday, October 18.

READ MORE: Basingstoke embraces togetherness at annual charity event

Several local charities and representatives were invited to receive their contributions, including the Mayor of Basingstoke and his wife, who attended on behalf of the Mayor's Charity.

Other notable attendees included representatives from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group, The Camrose Centre, St Michael’s Hospice, Hampshire Hospital's Children's Ward, and the British Heart Foundation.

In addition to local charities, HSS Basingstoke also extended its support internationally, directing a portion of the funds to aid Hindus in Bangladesh.

The cricket tournament is just one of many community-driven efforts by HSS Basingstoke.

Throughout the year, the branch has organised a variety of initiatives to support the community, including their weekly Tuesday Food Pantry, which provides essential food supplies to those in need.

So far in 2024, HSS Basingstoke said, it has donated over 5,000kg of food and touched the lives of more than 1,000 individuals through its various outreach programmes.