A SHOW-stopping Indian “Desi Bus” which brought Brierley Hill to a standstill has helped raise funds for Mary Stevens Hospice.

Moor Street restaurant Masala Dabba threw a spectacular launch party to celebrate its opening on Friday (October 21), with all proceeds from the event donated to the Stourbridge charity.

Kamal Hussain and his fellow staff at the new Indian and Bangladeshi takeaway held a family fun day for local residents and also gave out free food and drinks throughout the day, to introduce themselves to the neighbourhood.

Alongside the impressive Indian bus, which took some of the Hagley Road hospice’s users on a tour of the area, was entertainment from a rooftop DJ, a novelty photo-booth, a bouncy castle and face-painting.

Laura Millard, Mary Stevens Hospice’s community engagement officer, said: “Kam got in touch with us towards the end of August to let us know that he’d seen the work we do, and wanted to use the launch of his new business as an opportunity to support us.

“In the weeks that followed, that escalated quite dramatically, and what we ended up with was a quite incredible event which brought the local community together in such a lovely way.

“To see the bus rolling through Brierley Hill was just the most amazing sight, and we’re so grateful to Kam, all of the external parties who donated their time and attractions and to the community who came out to support the event.”