An Indian restaurant will be opening for a 12-hour shift on Christmas Day to feed the homeless and needy of Thanet.

Badar Munir, 34, is owner of Sultan Buffet Restaurant in Northdown Road.

He is hopeful that the idea will encourage other local eateries to follow.

He said: "Any homeless or needy people on Christmas who can't afford to feed themselves will be able to have a warm meal free of charge.

"We opened in the last 10 months and in that time I have seen a lot of needy people sleeping rough in Cliftonville.

"I thought it would be better to open the restaurant than stay at home because it gives those people something to look forward to - I can help them so why not.

"Hopefully other restaurants will follow, because it is something I would like to do on a regular basis.

"If anyone knows of any vulnerable local people on Christmas Day then we are here for them."