INDIAN takeaway bosses have spoken of their pride after helping raise more than £3,000 during a two-month charity fundraising drive.

The Ruby, in Braintree, ran cooking masterclasses and buffet nights and donated 5 per cent of all its takings as part of its ‘Curry for a Cause’ campaign

Bosses Hamid and Mohim Uddin had the idea of raising the money for Bocking End’s First Stop Centre, which helps the disadvantaged, after speaking to a customer who had been helped by the charity.

Mohim said: “I saw how she progressed with the support of the centre and was keen to learn more.

“When I first visited the centre, I was impressed by how warm and welcoming everyone is and the great work they do.”

As part of the fundraising, they held cooking lessons at New Direction, also in Bocking End, which supports homeless people.

Mohim said: “Working with the charities has been both very rewarding and an eye-opening experience for me.

“I have a better understanding and appreciation of local charities and how important it is for local people and businesses to support them.

“Many people suffer in silence - I hope anyone in need of help will reach out to organisations for help and support.

“We are very proud to have helped these great causes and hope other businesses and individuals are inspired to get involved.”

First Stop boss Rachel Stone said some of the cash will go towards updating its toilets.

She said: “The whole campaign has done incredibly well and a grand total of £3,065 has been raised.

“The money raised will be very useful and go towards extra training for staff, which will enable us to help more people.

“The funds will also help improve our facilities.”

New Direction’s Sharon Ralph added: “When Hamid and Mohim from the Ruby reached out to us to offer cooking masterclasses we were so pleased.

“We don’t just give homeless people shelter - we give them all the support they need to rebuild their lives, including housing advice and training in basic life skills.”