A BOURNEMOUTH hotel has reached an impressive milestone in distributing 1,000 meals to struggling families and individuals since the start of the pandemic.

Russell Court Hotel and the Desi Dhaba restaurant, both on Bath Road, have been working closely with Bournemouth-based diversity charity Unity in Vision and BCP Council to provide 20 meals daily to the people in need.

The hotel has pledged that they will make 1,500 meals by the end of March.

Russell Court Hotel employee Kamal Somaiya said: “We have been shut since Christmas because we were in lockdown.

"I also own a couple of restaurants in Bournemouth and my chefs have nothing to do at the moment, so we decided to do some meals for people who are isolating or struggling during the lockdown.

"It is something I have wanted to do since hearing about people struggling because of the pandemic, and it is nice knowing it is going to a good place."

Having heard that the hotel were doing donations, residents and community groups have donated money towards supplies and the making of dishes.

Meal options made by Mr Somaiya and his team include Tarka Dal, Vegetable Biryani and Masala Egg curry, all served with rice.

The dishes are picked up every day of the week at 12.20pm or 1.30pm by representatives form Unity in Vision who help distribute the meals to families and individuals that need them.

Mr Somaiya felt compelled to donate meal to those in financial struggles and elderly residents isolating in their homes after losing his mother, who died on April 6, 2020 with Covid-19.

He added: “My mum passed away because of Covid last year and in the Indian culture you usually have a big gathering of friends and family to celebrate the person’s life, but we have not been able to do that.

“It is something we wanted to do together so I am doing this to honour her.

“I think it is something that everybody should do, helping people who are less fortunate than them. There are plenty of people out there who need help.”