THE triumph of good over evil has been celebrated across Swindon.

Members of the Swindon Tamil Association came together on Sunday night to celebrate Diwali, the festival of light.

Diwali, which is a shortened version of the word Deepavali - meaning row of lights - is celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs.

More than 200 people packed into the Punjabi Community Centre, in Kembrey Street, to listen to devotional songs, watch traditional dance and hear stories from different countries about Diwali.

Aruna Thiagarajah said: "It is all about trying to kill the demons within you, like hatred, greed and jealousy.

"You can then light the light of live inside you and live in peace,"

The festival is one the community has been looking forward to for months.

And Swindon mayor Michael Barnes was given the honour of lighting the lamp that started the evening's programme of events.

As well as the dancing and storytelling, there was Indian drumming, singing by Tamil students and a flute performance.

And the guests weren't left hungry with a spread of food from Southern India to tuck in to.

To round the evening off there were some informal performances and a traditional Indian game show.