Police have congratulated revellers after 70,000 people safely made their way to Bhaktivedanta Manor for the annual Janmashtami festival at the weekend.

A team of 11 dedicated Hertsmere specials were tasked with the job of getting the estimated 70,000 visitors to the Hindu festival in and out of the Letchmore Heath temple.

Inspector Ian Rampaul, who was overseeing the traffic coming in and out of the temple, said: “The traffic wasn’t as bad as last year.

“As in previous years, there was an amazing turnout and the atmosphere was something else – it is always a very rewarding experience.

“We, the Specials, have a very unique relationship with the festival organisers and we’re viewed as family friends and part of the organisation.

“There are very few opportunities to meet so many people from the Hindu community and we were there to offer crime prevention advice and Special Constabulary recruitment information.

“Although it always attracts a large number of people, it passed off without any incidents.”