On Sunday 22nd November, Farooq Mohammed (owner of Maharanis restaurant in Hampton) was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship in recognition of his support of charities in and around Peterborough.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is named after Lions Clubs’ founder, and is the highest honour awarded by Lions International. It is presented only to those who reflect Lions’ commitment to humanitarian work and is not given lightly.

The award was made by Peterborough Lion Club President Bill Peacock and Club Secretary David Pope following a fundraising curry evening hosted by Farooq which raised well in excess of £600. Farooq has supported Peterborough Lions on many previous occasions and more than £10,000 has been raised as a result, contributing to a wide range of causes supported by the club. However the award also recognises the support given to other local charities.

Making the presentation club secretary David Pope said: “Farooq has demonstrated consistent, long-term support for the charitable sector and the wider community and we admire his personal commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate. It is our way of showing that we appreciate his support and value him as an honorary member of our club, a position granted to him in 2014.”

“I am privileged to be able to play a small part in supporting not only Lions but many other charities who often struggle to raise funds especially in today’s difficult environment,” Farooq responded. “With the ongoing help of my staff and family I will do my best to live up to the expectations of Fellowship.”