A Darlington restaurant carried on a long established family tradition this year when they opened their doors on Christmas Day for those in need.
It was the 8th annual Christmas Day feed at Babul's, which started at its Barnard Castle restaurant. In Darlington this year, the family-run business opened on Christmas Day to feed anyone who felt in need.
Ninety meals in total were served during the day to the elderly, homeless and those who would usually spend the festive season alone.
Zak Ahmed, a representative for Babul's spoke passionately about the event that has held a special place in the hearts of the family for nearly a decade.
He said: "This was out 8th annual year - even during Covid-19 we kept it up and had deliveries put in place. The event itself has just never really stopped.
"Last year was our first year where we operated it from the Darlington restaurant."
Pictures from the day show smiling volunteers cooking food in the kitchen and carving meat as well as the large amount of food items and gifts donated for attendees to take.
Zak added: "It was a lovely day - what's important is we don't want it to feel like it's a charity case or handouts. It's more about the atmosphere and environment where we make sure everyone feels welcome.
"We want it to feel like it's like going around to a family members house for Christmas dinner where they come round and see other people there. It's a nice, chilled out occasion."
"There was no pressure on anyone, they could come and eat and drink what they wanted. We even had a mini supermarket where people could come along and take what they wanted.
"Everyone from all different backgrounds like race and religion gathered and it was a really heart-warming day."
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For Zak himself, the yearly event is even more poignant and "bittersweet" this year as it is their first Christmas without their father, Babul, who sadly passed away in March.
He said: "It was Dad who had this message to us, he told us that it's our job to help look after the community, if you have a business you can do more.
"Use that platform and give back to your community and always help where you can."
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