An Indian takeaway has come up with a novel way to keep business thriving during the coronavirus outbreak - by offering customers free loo roll.
Leigh Straphern, who runs the Maaya Indian and Kitchen Bar in Milton Keynes, is offering one roll of toilet paper with all orders over £20.
Any customer spending £80 or more, meanwhile, will be treated to two rolls of the much-sought commodity.
Mr Straphern, 42, says he came up with the idea when he noticed customers coming into his restaurant carrying supplies of toilet paper as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Coronavirus is the main topic at the moment," he explained.
"We thought why don't we give away free toilet roll with every order.
"Obviously, there is a shortage of toilet roll at the moment. There is a demand and it made people laugh, but at the end of it is a serious message of how we take coronavirus seriously.
"It has been well received across Milton Keynes. There is obviously a very serious side to this, but actually we have to lift the mood sometimes."
He says his bar and restaurant remain 'incredibly popular' and emphasises that, in wake of the global health emergency, it has also increased its cleaning.
"There is nothing else we can do but we have seen areas just a lot quieter in places and people are still coming to the restaurant which is lovely," he added.
Images on social media have shown supermarket shelves across the country emptied of loo roll and other hygiene products in recent days, as shoppers panic-buy amid fears of having to self-isolate.
Several supermarkets have been imposing restrictions on popular items, including hand sanitiser, soap and pasta, to reduce stockpiling.
The restaurant announced the unusual offer in a Facebook post featuring waiter Noor Nabi, who is pictured holding a roll of toilet paper and a takeaway bag.
It reads: "We want to continue to service our community and provide our award-winning curry to our customers through the current climate.
"If you’d prefer to have a takeaway, we’ll bring you your order to your car door with our ‘tandoor-to-car-door’ service PLUS each order over £20 will receive a FREE toilet roll. (Orders over £80 receive two rolls).
"After each day the team are deep cleaning the restaurant and wiping touch point surfaces throughout the day to ensure each area is clean."
The post has received almost 400 likes, more than 100 comments and north of 200 shares.
An enthusiastic Amit Luis said: "Throw in some hand sanitizing gel to complete the meal deal and I’ll be there every day .. !"
Aaron Thompson meanwhile commented: "If you gave me a roll I'd be thinking 'what the hell have you put in my food?'"
