AN Indian restaurant in Radcliffe has raised over £3,000 for Bury charities to celebrate its first anniversary.

Armaan, in Outwood Road, invited its regular customers and supporters for complimentary meals over six nights and asked guests to donate to three causes: Bury Hospice, Jigsaw – a Bury-based social and sport group for young disabled people – and Early Break, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation service for youngsters in Bury.

Diners enjoyed a memorable evening of a three-course meal and entertainment from PatElvis, the tribute singer known as ‘The Indian Elvis’.

Sky Miah, owner of Armaan, said he was inspired to host the fundraising evenings after last year’s floods in Radcliffe.

“During the floods there were people who were really struggling, without electricity, some without food.

“We were able to bring 1000 crates of food from my other restaurants and police officers helped us to deliver them to the local people.

“It was a very bad time, but at the same time the reaction from the community and the community spirit made me feel really happy, so I wanted to have the feeling again this year.”

Mr Miah, 40, originally from Oldham, said he chose the three charities because they were all “very good causes” and they focused on helping people in Bury.

He said he enjoyed giving back to the community and helping others more than making money and seeing his business thrive.

“My father came over to Oldham in the 1960s and worked in the mills. We were very poor and we didn’t have much,” said Mr Miah.

“Now I am successful the thing that makes me happiest is helping out others who haven’t been as fortunate as I have.

“Maybe when I am 65 or 70, I will look back on my life – and what has been the point if I haven’t helped people?

“This event is my way of giving a bit back, and I am so happy it has gone well.”

Kay Jackson, a lottery sales volunteer at Bury Hospice, said events like this made a big difference to the hospice.

She said: “It is absolutely fabulous what Armaan are doing and they have raised a lot of money which is so important obviously because it allows us to do what we do.

“And, of course, the food was delicious. On behalf of the charity I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Armaan and everybody who donated.”