A TAKEAWAY has temporarily closed so it can focus on helping the community.

The Ruby takeaway in Braintree closed its doors to the public on Sunday so it could free up chefs and allow them to provide free meals to those in need.

Bosses from the takeaway helped deliver 76 meals to NHS staff at Broomfield Hospital on Monday.

They also plan to hand out meals at the Prince Edward Duke Of Kent Court care home.

Plans are now in place to open the takeaway on Saturday and Sunday evening between 5pm and 9pm to NHS staff, and for those who are vulnerable or considered high-risk.

Owner Mohim Uddin said: “We want people to spread the word and know we are open for those who need it.

“I decided to close for a bit so we could start focusing on giving back to the community. We have been giving out meals and ingredients to do our bit. This is a time to be looking out for each other as is not about money.

"We are not open for business at the moment but we are open to our community.”

Mr Uddin hopes the takeaway can reopen again in the near future but says it will continue to support the vulnerable and NHS staff however it can.

He has given us support to the Times' #BackingEssexBusiness campaign.

As your local paper, we want to offer our support to businesses in this time of hardship by promoting the great work they are doing to help the community.

We would urge all readers to support all local businesses however you can.

Mr Uddin added: “We’re happy to support the #BackingEssexBusiness campaign and want the community to know we are here for them in their time of need.”

To find out more about The Ruby’s community support, visit the takeaway’s Facebook page.

Other businesses in the district are also doing their bit to help during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Witham-based Happicabs, which also operates in Maldon, Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers is offering the over-70s a free click-and-collect delivery service to collect from selected supermarkets and pharmacies.

Business manager Waqas Hussain, said: “We came up with the idea after the madness in shops and supply shortages leaving the most vulnerable unable to get out and get their shopping.”

Staff at Starbucks in Cineworld, Braintree, donated left-over food after they were forced to close.

They volunteered to go into work the following day to take food to the First Stop centre in Braintree.

We want to hear your inspirational stories of businesses rallying round and supporting the community.

Get in touch by emailing bwtnews@newsquest.co.uk or message us on Facebook.