The founder of Huddersfield’s first Hindu temple, Guru Datt Bali, has died aged 72.

Mr Bali, of Fartown, moved to Huddersfield from India in 1963, setting up the town’s first Hindu temple at Westgate, in the early 1970s.

The temple shortly moved to its current location on Zetland Street.

A vegetarian and an animal lover, Mr Bali raised money for the RSPCA and animal charities in India as well as Save The Children and Indian disabled children’s charities.

Mr Bali, who died at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary on October 30, led Kirklees Council’s advice centre for 15 years helping the town’s growing Asian community before retiring, aged 60.

Mr Bali, a keen charity and community volunteer with seven grandchildren, leaves his wife Shashi, son Rajesh and three daughters Susan, Sunita and Kiran.

Kiran Bali, a decorated interfaith leader and Kirklees magistrate, said: “My father led a life of simplicity through his spirituality.

“He was energised through his devotion to serve members of the community whatever their colour or creed.

“His compassion and empathy always reflected in his larger than life personality. His aura projected warmth, radiance and kindness to all.

“He leaves a legacy of compassion through impartial selfless service and indeed his vision of a consolidated, harmonious society.

“As my inspirational guiding light, he was a sincere reflection of his name ‘Guru’ which in Sanskrit language translates as ‘enlightened spiritual teacher’ and ‘dispeller of darkness’.”

Around 600 mourners attended Mr Bali’s funeral at Fixby Crematorium on November 7.

In accordance with Hindu traditional his ashes will be immersed in the River Ganges, India, later this month.