So far more than 180 families have made donations towards the project which will create a new, larger temple on the existing site in Queensway.

Five months after building began, temple assistant general secretary Jaspal Singh Bhambra is pleased with the situation.

He said: "The project is very successful and the building is taking shape now. We are making very good progress with the fundraising - there are no problems with finance.

"There's good support out there and the building should be open by autumn 2009."

Mr Bhambra would not reveal the exact figure raised but said it is more than the £2million cash and £4million in pledges from congregation members which the Courier reported in January.

He added: "The excitement from everyone is clear to see as people can now start to visualise the site. Everyone is happy with the way the project is going.

"We are planning to hold more fundraising events and try to encourage people who have not donated to get involved."

Plans for the new Gurdwara and community centre were drawn up last autumn. Once complete, the building will have three prayer rooms, a cafe, a library and rooms for hire.

To make a donation call Mr Bhambra on 07887658198.

An application to change the use of the James West Centre in Leamington into a mosque has been granted by planning officials.

* Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association received permission to re-clad the Riverside building and construct a new dome and two minarets on July 25.

The plans prompted objections from members of the Royal Navy Club, the Diving Club, and St Patrick's Irish Club.

They were concerned the dome and minarets would 'have the appearance of a religious building', breaching the existing roofline and would be at odds with the design of the other social clubs in the area.