A RESTAURANT owner is helping to raise funds for the Swindon Mela.

Rokib Ali, who owns Biplob in Wood Street, Old Town, will be running special lunchtime and evening fundraising sessions on May 14 with all proceeds going to help fund the Swindon Mela.

This year’s Mela is due to take place on August 25 but can only go ahead if enough sponsorship and funds are raised.

“I really enjoy the Mela and have been involved in one way or another in supporting it for more than nine years now,” he said.

“Every year the event brings something different to the town: not only has it gone from strength to strength but promotes community cohesion.

“With the Mela celebrating its 10th anniversary I am keen to help raise the funds that it needs to ensure that the event does go ahead as planned.

“I am looking forward to hosting the fundraising event – with food and entertainment on the agenda.

“I hope that the public will come and enjoy themselves in the atmosphere that we are planning to create. With their support we hope to raise some vital funds for the Mela to go ahead in August.”

Rokib will be hosting a special fundraising lunch between 12pm and 2pm and an evening event from 6pm until late in the new Balaka Lounge.

Both the lunch and the dinner events will include entertainment with an Asian flavour, charity raffle and auction. The menus will be buffet style and suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Lunch is £10 per person and the evening buffet is £15 per person.

To book visit www.biplob.co.uk/bookonline.php or phone 01793 490265 / 431416 For more information about the Mela email info@swindonmela.com.