THE owner of a popular Indian restaurant in Colchester has bee recognised with an award after coming to the aid of people and communities in need throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Mashukur Rahman and his team at the Jhaal Indian Cuisine, in London Road, Marks Tey, have been delivering food to vulnerable people since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak.

They have also been offering discounts to NHS and care workers, which has culminated in the restaurant now being honoured by leading national curry trade magazine Curry Life.

Proud restaurateur Mr Rahman, said: “Our NHS and social care sector have worked tirelessly this year to provide support to the many people who need it across the UK, often in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

"By offering them discounts on meals is our way of thanking them for all that they have done and continue to do for us all.”

The Local Covid Curry Hero award initiative was launched in a bid to acknowledged the heroics of hardworking business owners during the pandemic.

Editor-in-chief, Syed Nahas Pasha, said: “Despite the unprecedented problems posed by the present pandemic, these curry houses have gone out of their way to be almost a fourth emergency service to vulnerable people.

“Their businesses and livelihoods have been severely impacted, but this has not stopped them offering a helping hand to the most needy in our society at a time of crisis.

“Their efforts really deserve to be recognised as truly heroic-and we are delighted to be able to mark their magnificent contributions in this way.”