The owners of two award-winning High Street restaurants have raised £6,280 through a charity meal and fundraising campaign in Maldon.

'Food for Floods' was organised by former Town Mayor Abdul "Jhual" Hafiz, who owns Maldon Spice, and Sark restaurant owner Sami Barli. Their aim was to raise funds to support the victims of last month's record-breaking floods in Bangladesh.

Turkish restaurant Sark hosted a charity meal on Sunday 17 July, attended by almost 150 people.

Organisers Abdul 'Jhual' Hafiz and Sami Barli spoke about the impact of last month's record-breaking floods.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), an estimated 7.2 million people are now in desperate need of shelter and emergency relief items.

Jhual has a personal connection to the region most affected, as he lived in Bangladesh for eight years during his childhood and went to school there.

He told Nub News: "Seeing them in that situation, it made me want to do something.

"I asked Sami what we should do to help, and he suggested a fundraiser."

Jhual has thanked locals and businesses, which include House of Delight and TDR Computers, for their donations.

"We are indebted to the people of Maldon for the support they've shown us."

"We are indebted to the people of Maldon for the support they've shown us." Abdul 'Jhual' Hafiz, owner of Maldon Spice

All the money raised will go directly to helping those in Bangladesh, as the costs of running the fundraiser were covered by the two restauranteurs and their supporters.

Sami told Nub News the donations will help to repair around 150 houses.

He said: "We want to make sure the money will go to the right places, and to the right people."

Bangla media organisation Ayna News also backed the campaign, broadcasting live from the affected regions to those in the restaurant.

As Mayor, Jhual raised money for various charities but says this the first time he has done so on such a grand scale. He credits Sami with much of the campaign's success.

Jhual said: "Without Sami's help, we wouldn't have got this far."

Sami provided the use of his restaurant as part of a £3,500 contribution to the cause. Kitchen staff from both restaurants collaborated to serve a unique menu.

Almost 150 people attended the fundraiser, enjoying food made by chefs from both restaurants.

In addition to the Food for Floods fundraiser, Sami and Jhual will go to Bangladesh themselves, to donate more money and to ensure it is spent where it is needed most.

Sami will open a new restaurant, Paparazzi, on the site of the former Prezzo restaurant in Maldon High Street, this September.

Sami and staff presented the cheque at Sark in Maldon High Street.

Jhual and Sami are still accepting donations, either at their respective restaurants or by using the following details:

• Mr Abdul Hafiz
• Account No. 81296616
• Sort code 60-83-71