Buddhist Bloom

The 'Lord of the Rings' star took part in a religious ceremony on Saturday at the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist centre in Britain to mark his commitment to the faith.

The heartthrob star - who played Legolas in the Oscar-winning movie trilogy - was joined by 60 other devotees for the hour-long service where he was presented with his Gohonzon - a Sanskrit prayer scroll - by religious leader Ricky Baynes, which symbolised his entry into the movement.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "He looked really happy and quite excited."

"He shook Ricky's hand like the other people getting the Gohonzon."

After the ceremony the Hollywood actor signed autographs for fellow Buddhists.

Orlando, who fiercely protects his private life, has never spoken publicly about his interest in the faith.

But the British-born star - who is dating American beauty Kate Bosworth - has previously been seen with Buddhist prayer beads.