Free curries are being offered to elderly people stuck at home because of coronavirus by 12 businesses across Kent .

One award-winning restaurant manager handing out the free food said even though tough financial times may lie ahead, those in need should not be forgotten.

Kiron Haque, owner of Thaii Fusion and Taj Barming Picture: Arthur Rahman

The scheme is being spearheaded by the British Bangladeshi Caterers Association (BBCA), including eateries in Maidstone, Canterbury, and Rochester.

It comes after Boris Johnson urged the nation to limit social contact, adding that people over 70 and groups with certain health conditionsshould consider the advice "particularly important".

Father-of-two Kiron Haque, managing director of Taj Barming in Maidstone, which was crowned Best Indian Restaurant in Kent at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards last year, and also Thaii Fusion, in Sittingbourne.

The 45-year-old, who is also vice-president of the association, said: "We decided we should do something for the local community.

"This pandemic has shown us that none of us are immune to hardship and therefore must do all we can to support each other and our communities during these testing times.

Kiron and staff at Thaii Fusion, Sittingbourne Picture: Arthur Rahman

"This is for people who haven't got food or the means to get food.

"It is going to be a curry with rice or bread, which will provide them with protein and carbohydrates, so they will have a good meal to get them through."

The scheme was only finalised last night and no one has yet taken up Mr Haque on the offer, but he has been spreading the words with charities and a Maidstone church.

Since the Prime Minister told the public to stay away from restaurants on Monday, Mr Haque, from Lodge Wood, Gravesham, says customers have "disappeared".

His restaurants are still open but are now also operating as a takeaway.

Mr Haque said: "We decided to try the delivery service to see if we could retain jobs. I am extremely worried. I have about twenty employees and obviously less money is coming in and we rents and mortgages to pay."

"We must do all we can to support each other and our communities during these testing times..."

"I'm between a rock and a hard place because I pay a landlord rent for my restaurants, but I also have properties which I let out to other businesses. So if I'm struggling to pay my rent, then they will be too."

Restaurants taking part in the BBCA scheme are offering one free meal a day to people over-60s who are self isolating.

Ideally, you should place an order 24 hours before you would like it and a family member or friend should collect the dish. However, delivery can be arranged, if possible.

The Kent businesses offering the service are:

Alishan Restaurant, Tonbridge

Gandhi Restaurant, Gravesend

Imli, Tunbridge Wells

Junahki, Tunbridge Wells

Kashmir Tandoori, Canterbury

Mango Tree, Maidstone

Pink Paprika, Rochester

Quality Tandoori, Edenbridge

Shamrat, Maidstone

Taj Barming, Maidstone

Thaii Fusion, Sittingbourne

The Spice, Tunbridge Wells

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