SIKHS in Hampshire will be serve more than 1,500 free meals to the public as part of an international drive to combat world hunger.

Members of the faith will be opening their hearts to the community by serving vegetarian curry throughout next week to shoppers and people on their way home from work.

The generous offer is part of National Langar Week – a global initiative based on one of the faith’s holiest institutions.

Now they are urging people of all faiths to join them in their mission to tackle hunger and foster unity between communities.

The drive is based on the faith’s ancient Langar system – nurturing equality by encouraging people of all backgrounds and faiths to share food together, regardless of faith, gender, age or status.

The system was launched by the first Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji and also marks his birthday.

Now the faith holds mass events open to people of all backgrounds in nations cities across the globe including India, Malaysia, Singapore, and as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia.

Southampton Sikh Seva will be serving meals in the city for six days from this Monday at a series of locations.

The charity, established in 2014, has run regular outreach events where members give food, drink and clothing to homeless people.

One of the organisers, Ronnie Digwa, said: “This is the second year we will be celebrating National Langar Week. Last year was a huge success, serving over 1,000 meals, many people volunteering throughout in the week and local businesses donating both food and money to help out efforts.

“Now we aim to feed 1,500 people over the week.

“We would be very grateful for people to come forward and volunteer or kindly make a small donations in support this event and our on-going efforts to help the homeless.”

Meals will be served from 6.30-8.30pm at the following locations: Monday  – Above Bar Church Tuesday – the Bargate Wednesday – London Road Thursday – St Mary Street Friday – Singh Sabha Gurdwara temple They will also be in Guildhall Square from noon-2pm next Saturday.

For more information – or to sign up as a volunteer – search Southampton Sikh Seva on Facebook, email khalsa-kitchen@out look.com, or contact 07765 166 815 or 077488 119 125 for more information.