A GROUP of close friends have delivered more than 5,000 homemade meals around Swindon to key workers and vulnerable people.

The Baba Balak Nath Group’s name comes from the Hindu deity known as the most gracious God in Hinduism and is made up of Karan Vohra, Kaldip Singh Bansal, Satpal Bansal, Ram Karavadra Nisha Karavadra, and Babu Giga Chavda.

Satpal, known as Paul, from Bansal Motors, has lived in Swindon for 54 years and likes to supports the local community and charity events throughout Swindon.

He said: “As a family, we came together to help support those who need it, where race, religion and background have no bearing on humanity and decency, and we are honoured to be able to support where we could.

“As a small local business, the community has always supported us so as a family, this is the least we could do.

“Many thanks to NB Foods in Exeter and to Ram Karavadra and family for huge support to the community.”

His brother Kaldip was born and bought up in Swindon and has lived here since 1968.

Known as Charlie, he is proud that his daughter works at Great Western Hospital and wanted to support key workers in this difficult time.

Karan moved to Swindon recently and works at a convenience store.

He said: “I joined Baba Balak Nath Group and became friends. I willingly support the local community and charity events throughout Swindon.

“We believe that God has blessed us in immeasurable ways so that we can, in return, bless and help others.”

Fellow group members Babu Chavda and Ebha Odedra own N&B Foods Ltd in West Swindon. They said: “During this challenging time, Swindon has to come together and help each other. We are in the food business supplying local caterers so we are in a fortunate position where we can improve and felt we have to do so."

They invited councillors from different wards to participate and deliver meals with them for a day. Coun Rahul Tarar accepted their offer. He said: “I felt privileged and honoured to be invited by a fantastic team of volunteers. They are doing all of this by carefully maintaining the recommended social distancing.

“I witnessed their process, and the group is instrumental in maintaining the hygiene standards. Rounds of hand sanitising before and after any exchange. All of this involves much hard work, preparing home-made food, packaging, and then delivering door to door. For many of them, it became almost a full-time job.”