MEMBERS of Devizes’ Muslim community presented a cheque for £726 to the town’s food bank last week after raising the money at their Eid celebration in July.

More than 200 people attended the event at Devizes Sports Club on Sunday, July 9, and helped to raise hundreds of pounds for Devizes Food Bank. Community leader Imam Hossain handed the money over to food bank chairman, Peter Brearley, on Monday, July 24.

Mr Brearley said: “This donation is very welcome: the food bank couldn’t operate without the support of the community and it’s great to see that support growing. As well as funds from the Eid festival we have had practical support from the Muslim community and Imam has become a trustee of the charity.

“The money will go towards administration, insurance, staff and transport costs, and donations like this allow us to explore new ways of helping people in crisis – they’re very important to us.”

The Eid Al-Fitr festival marked the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan, during which Muslims experience hardship through fasting and abstinence, and are encouraged to give to charity.

Mr Hossain added: “At our Eid event we heard about how the food bank works and were surprised to find out how much food is given out – we didn’t know there was such a great need in Devizes.

“Devizes Muslim community is proud to work with the food bank but will be more proud to work with the community to eradicate the need for it.”