HOMELESS people in Bolton can enjoy a fast food treat twice a week thanks to a takeaway which opens its doors to offer a meal to people in need.

Al Quds Grill House in Derby Street is giving out dishes for two hours every Monday and Thursday after teaming up with community group Help the Homeless and Needy in Bolton and Manchester.

The group, run by Billa Ahmed and other volunteers including Amy Louise Tracey, Jamilah Rashid and Louise Adamson, sit and chat with homeless people while owner Salim Omer and chef Aslam Bagas serve them with a plate full of freshly made food.

People who attend can get a hot or cold drink with a pizza prepared on the spot and generous portion of chips, while sitting with other customers, on Mondays and Thursdays between 3pm and 5pm.

Mr Ahmed said: "There are so many people in need of food and clothing in Bolton so we started a Facebook group to get more people and other organisations, such as restaurants, involved too.

"I spoke to Salim, who is a friend of mine that I know through various voluntary events we have been involved with, and he said he wanted to do something to give something back to the community. He mentioned opening up the takeaway and offering food to homeless people, which is fantastic.

"We've had some good feedback since we started a few weeks ago and have had a steady flow of people coming along.

"Food banks are a big thing, especially in Bolton, but there are some people who cannot access it if they don't have the right vouchers. This is open to anyone who is homeless and in need of a meal regardless of their circumstances."

The idea has also branched out to Bengal Cottage Restaurant in Horwich, which opens its doors on Wednesdays between 6pm and 9pm.

Mr Omer said: "I know it's popular in America so I thought, why not bring it to Bolton? I had wanted to help the local community for a while so I spoke to Billa and we arranged it. What's really good is that the homeless people are not made to sit away from everyone else — they sit with the other customers to make them feel included."

To find out more visit facebook.com/groups/HelpTheHomelessAndNeedy.