A SPECIAL charity auction night was held to celebrate the re-opening of a local restaurant.

The Samrat Restaurant, Pitshanger Lane, raised more than £1,600 for the Meadow House Hospice, Southall, and the Pitshanger Community Association as it opened for the first time after a £150,000 refurbishment.

Indian paintings and art work were just some of the items being auctioned but a signed cricket bat, donated by local girl Priti Elahi, was the main attraction, fetching £650.

Miah Horuf, owner of Samrat, has been on Pitshanger Lane for nearly 18 years. He said: "I have chosen Meadow House Hospice as they need help and they are vulnerable people. I feel like I want to give something back to the community which has supported me over the years and any little contribution will help so I also chose Pitshanger Community Association."

The Pitshanger Community Association is a charity that puts money back into the area. Recently the charity arranged for picnic tables and a children's play area for the local Pitshanger Park.

Maria Brennan represented Meadow House Hospice last night and praised Mr Miah for his kind donations. She said: "It is wonderful that people like the Samrat restaurant have time to care for others on an evening like this."