PROUD members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Slough & South Bucks have been presented with a special Service to the Community award by the mayor.

The presentation by Slough's mayor Cllr Paul Sohal took place in his parlour at Slough Borough Council last week - 'in recognition and appreciation of the community’s commitment in helping others, its fundraising efforts and on-going efforts in promoting peace and community cohesion'.

President of the AMC Atiq Ahmad Bhatti accepted the award from the mayor.

He said: "This was quite unexpected and I’m quite speechless. For the community’s efforts to be recognised by the Worshipful the Mayor of Slough is incredibly humbling.

"Our objective and commitment to the people of Slough & South Bucks, as well as the surrounding areas, is that we will always be here to help and to support the local community and continue to work towards establishing community cohesion and interfaith harmony.

"I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this recognition award from the Mayor and I sincerely thank him on behalf of all the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”

The AMC was back in action on Sunday when members members ran their regular soup kitchen at St. Mary’s Church in the town, providing 40 hot meals to the homeless alongside 20 takeaway boxes comprising of lentil soup, rice and naan.

It was one of the many local ‘community support’ projects run by AMYA Slough throughout the year with regular blood donations, tree planting and providing manpower for local community events also being part of their drive.