STAFF at Malmesbury’s Keralan Indian Restaurant are launching an appeal to raise money for people affected by the Keralan.

The team at the Spice Merchant on Holloway all come from the stricken Indian province of Kernel and hope the people of Malmesbury can help raise vital funds.

They are holding a free buffet lunch, 12pm to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, and are asking diners to make a donation.

Co-owner Mustafa Parayil, said: “Thank goodness all our families are safe, but we know many people who have lost everything, including loved ones.

“We wanted to do something to help.

“I spoke with Malmesbury’s Wiltshire Councillor Gavin Grant, he and his family are regulars. We discussed putting on a Kerala buffet with all funds going to help flood victims at home.

“We will cook Keralan dishes for vegetarians and meat eaters. There will be no charge for our food but we ask diners to make a donation.”

Cllr Grant, said: “The Spice Merchant food is always wonderful and authentic.

“The next time I ate there after the news of the appalling flooding I spoke to Mustafa.

“He said they wanted to cook a special free meal for Kerala and donate the proceeds to the flood appeal.

“Naturally I said I would help and promised to ask our Mayor for her support.”

Mayor of Malmesbury, Cllr Fran Vandelli, added: “The Spice Merchant supports community events and this is our chance to help them support stricken families back home.

“I want as many Malmesbury residents to join us for one of the buffet lunches.”