He might have lived thousands of miles away – but Nelson Mandela’s legacy will live on in Aldenham, where he helped save a Hindu temple from closure.

Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Hillfield Lane, Aldenham, was on the brink of shutting down in 1995 – but the South African leader vowed to do all in his power to ensure it stayed open.

Mandela wrote a letter to then British Prime Minister John Major pleading with him to step in and take action.

The man behind it was Frank Ward, former vice chairman of the Hare Krishna Temple Defence Movement, who travelled to South Africa with the sole intention of getting the late president’s support.

Mandela died last week at the age of 95 after a long illness – but Mr Ward joined hundreds around the world in paying tribute to him.

The 75-year-old, of Mildred Avenue, Borehamwood, said: “This wonderful human being was opposed to injustice in any form.

Read more: http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/news/10867381.Nelson_Mandela_s_legacy_will_live_on_in_Aldenham/