A fundraising buffet in Taunton has raised £580 in support of this year’s Somerset Armed Forces Day.
The event was held at Mattancherry Restaurant on Station Road, with both lunchtime and evening sittings, and saw all proceeds go towards the delivery of the annual celebration, which takes place at Vivary Park.
Ed Cullen, chairman of Somerset Armed Forces Day CIC, said: "We are extremely grateful to Mattancherry Restaurant for choosing to support Somerset Armed Forces Day.
"Events like ours can only happen because of the incredible backing we receive from the local civic and business community.
"There is also a meaningful connection here beyond the historic links to the British Raj and the thousands of Indian Army personnel who fought as part of the Allied forces during the Second World War.
"There is a strong cultural bond through food too – curry has long been a firm favourite within the forces, and it is traditional for curry to be served as lunch following Remembrance Day commemorations.
"This event really captured that shared heritage and sense of togetherness."
Somerset Armed Forces Day is one of the largest free public events of its kind in the South West, attended by more than 40,000 people each year.
It aims to celebrate and support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families, while giving the wider public a chance to engage with the armed forces and emergency services.
Mattancherry Restaurant, known for its Keralan cuisine, also offers a year-round 10 per cent dining discount for serving armed forces personnel and veterans.
Gopinath Dharmalingam, restaurant manager, said: "Here at Mattancherry we are brilliantly supported by our local Taunton community, and it is a fitting pleasure for us to take another opportunity to give back.
"The vibe throughout the day was fantastic, with guests enjoying the food and getting behind a great cause.
"Our whole team loved being part of it"
Head chef Loganathan Ramasamy said diners enjoyed "freshly cooked, from-scratch traditional Keralan favourites, from starters through to mains and desserts."
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