A WEEKLY soup kitchen in Bradford is now a cut above the rest thanks to a new scheme organised by the Muslim Women's Council.

The Curry Circle, held every Thursday night at the Carlisle Business Centre, has teamed up with Refresh Hair and Beauty to offer free hairdressing services to visitors as they enjoy a hearty meal.

Organisers of the project, which caters for around 90 people every week, said the new partnership with Gemma Clark was the "perfect" fit as they looked to expand and offer more services.

"I had done some charity work with homeless people before, but wanted to do it on a more regular basis," said Miss Clark, who has owned her Shipley-based hair and beauty business for the past 15 years.

"The Curry Circle said they had been looking for a hairdresser for a long time, but people had always let them down.

"The first session went really well, and was a real eye-opener.

"Despite the problems they may have, people were so open and genuine, and seemed really grateful for what we were doing.

"I'm going to continue the sessions for as long as I can.

"It's nice to be able to use my skills in this way and be able to give something back."

The Curry Circle is a project delivered by the Muslim Women's Council - supported by MyLahore - which offers a free curry to visitors every week in a welcoming social environment.

The project has been running in Bradford since December 2013, and Adam Raja, Curry Circle manager, said the group also had plans to expand into the Keighley area in the near future.

"We are really excited to be launching this service during the month of Ramadan to our neighbours who are suffering from homelessness and poverty and cannot afford a haircut," he said.

"The group was looking to expand the services on offer, and hairdressing was exactly the kind of thing we were looking for.

"We spoke to Gemma, and she was on-board straightaway, so it seemed like a perfect partnership.

"We want to help give people in need a positive outlook, and lots of people have already signed up for the service, which we hope to offer every week.

"People really enjoy the personal interaction and social element of the group.

"It provides a friendly space for them to come together and enjoy good food, good conversation, and good company."

The group is looking to raise funds for the Curry Circle by organising a team to embark on a sponsored climb of Mount Snowdon in Wales on July 26, with more volunteers currently being sought to take part.

For more information, visit www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk or call 01274 223230.