Rishi Sunak said his first year as Prime Minister "hasn’t been the easiest" but the support of Southampton's Hindu community is what keeps him going.

Mr Sunak, who was born and raised in Southampton, made the comments as he joined tonight's Diwali celebrations at the city's Hindu temple.

In a short speech at the Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Radcliffe Road, Mr Sunak said: "I became Prime Minister on Diwali time last year. It’s fair to say it hasn’t been the easiest of years but whenever things are difficult I want you to know that your messages, your support and prayers are what give me the strength that I need to keep going.

"I will do everything that I can to make you proud."

Daily Echo: Rishi Sunak lighting a candle at Southampton's Hindu temple with his familyRishi Sunak lighting a candle at Southampton's Hindu temple with his family (Image: Newsquest)

Accompanied by his parents, Yashvir and Usha, wife Akshata Murty and two daughters, Mr Sunak said it was "absolutely wonderful" to be "back home in Southampton with my family".

He added: "(It's) also wonderful to be back here in this very special (place) where I grew up. I have so many happy memories of my time here as a kid.

"This was also the place where the values that my parents raised me with were reinforced every week. The importance of family, faith, service, education and hard work.

"Looking around I'm inspired that there’s a whole new young generation that is being raised with those same values."

Sanjay Chandarana, president of The Vedic Society Hindu Temple, described Mr Sunak as "the most suitable prime minister the country could ever have", adding: "Rishi made us all very proud".

Daily Echo: Rishi Sunak enjoying a drumming performance at Southampton's Hindu temple Rishi Sunak enjoying a drumming performance at Southampton's Hindu temple (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Sunak arrived at around 6.15pm. He lit a candle, enjoyed a drumming performance and received a gift from Mr Chandarana. He left with his family just before 7pm.

The 43-year-old is said to regularly visit the city's temple.

Only last summer, before he became Prime Minister, he was photographed helping members prepare and dish out food and posing for selfies.

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals in India, the equivalent of Christmas in Christian countries.

It represents the victory of good over evil or light over darkness.