THE "best" curry house in Reading has been given extraordinary recognition for coming to the aid of people in need in their local communities.

Popular Indian Restaurant Zyka which was named as the "best in Reading" at the annual Curry Life Awards last year, has been making food deliveries to vulnerable people, offering discounts to NHS staff and care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The restaurant has been honoured with special recognition by leading national Curry trade magazine Curry Life.

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Owner of Zyka Zakir Khan, 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.”

Explaining the thinking behind the LOCAL COVID CURRY HERO initiative, 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.”

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He added: “During Covid-19, many Curry Houses have just managed to keep their heads above the water – absorbing the costs of closures, reduced capacity and Covid-19 compliance – many often putting their own lives at risk, as they themselves come largely from vulnerable BAME communities.

“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.”