'We wanted to brighten people's lives with a meal made from scratch. The response has been amazing'

LOCAL heroes who make extraordinary efforts to help people and communities will be celebrated by National Lottery operator Allwyn and the Daily Express.

- By Charlie Bradley

Bighearted shopkeepers who go the extra mile to help customers, friends and neighbours are highlighted in the Local Retail Champions competition.

The campaign, first launched last year, recognised the brilliant work of those whose friendly chat, great service and a hopeful lottery ticket is just the start of what they provide.

Regional winner Vimal Pandya has gone from strength to strength after his customers revealed how much he and his family have done for the people of Rotherhithe, southeast London.

Vimal, 45, has provided more than 21,000 freshly cooked meals free of charge to locals, including the elderly, disabled and vulnerable since 2023, when he started a "community kitchen".

He began by cycling to London's famous Smithfield meat market at 3am to buy enough fresh chicken to feed 400 people.

Vimal said: "I cycled back with 10kg of chicken on the back of the bicycle and 15kg on the front. It was a bit wobbly to be honest, but luckily there was not much traffic on the roads at that time of the day."

He was given permission to use a local primary school kitchen on a Sunday and, with the help of other volunteers, made a gigantic chicken jalfrezi curry. The meal was also delivered to the homes of those unable to make it to the school.

Vimal said: "The response to that first meal was amazing, everyone loved the food and every bit of it was eaten up with some enjoyment.