VSO 'BIG CURRY NIGHT' 25 OCTOBER 2008

Curry lovers are being called on to use their passion for curry to raise much-needed funds for International development charity, VSO, as part its annual 'Big Curry Night' to be held on October 25th 2008. Supported by TV Chef Manju Malhi, 'Big Curry Night' aims to get people to hold a curry night and ask friends and family who come along to make a donation to VSO in return for a delicious curry.

Manju Malhi has created a number of delicious recipes for 'Big Curry Night'. She said: 'I have created a range of cheap and low fat recipes which mean that you can enjoy 'Big Curry Night' with the knowledge that you are helping a good cause and not worry about your purse or the calorie content.'

Mark Goldring, Chief Executive of VSO, said: 'We have tried to make it as easy as possible for people to support 'Big Curry Night'. People who go to our website can get recipes, invites and even a special 'Big Curry Night' quiz. We hope that this year's 'Big Curry Night' will be more successful than ever'.

Curry lovers who want to get involved in 'Big Curry Night' can go to http://curry.vso.org.uk for recipe ideas and a fundraising pack. To spice things up even more the top three fundraisers will win a copy of Manju's 'Easy Indian Cookbook' and dinner for two at Tiffinbites Gresham St restaurant in London, full details of prizes are available online. Three runners up will also win a copy of The Cobra Good Curry Guide.

'BIG CURRY NIGHT' SPECIAL DEALS

The VSO has arranged a number of special deals for people who are involved in Big Curry Night:

The Bombay Bicycle Club: Order in from any of our delivery kitchens for your VSO Big Curry Night and we will donate £1 for every Peshwari Naan purchased. Original voucher, which is available at http://curry.vso.org.uk, must be presented when placing or collecting your order. Offer valid between 20/10/08 to 02/11/08 on delivery orders only www.thebombaybicycleclub.com.

Tiffinbites: Have your VSO Big Curry Night at our restaurant in Gresham Street and we will donate 10% of your food bill to VSO. Original voucher, which is available at http://curry.vso.org.uk, must be presented when placing your order. Offer valid between 20/10/08 to 02/11/08 Mon - Thurs at the Gresham Street restaurant only.

Vama: Join our Head Chef on a journey through India for your VSO Big Curry Night. Cook your own 3 course meal under the expert guidance of our Head Chef for £60 (includes all ingredients). We will donate 20% of proceeds to VSO. Classes must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. Minimum class size of 6 is required. Phone 020 7565 8500 for further details and to make a booking. Offer valid between 20/10/08 to 02/11/08 www.vama.com. Original voucher, which is available at http://curry.vso.org.uk, must be presented. Each voucher is valid for ONE offer/visit only and will be retained by staff. No cash alternative. Not valid with any other promotion.

ABOUT THE VSO

VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. There are currently 1,500 volunteers working in 34 countries in Africa and Asia. Past volunteers for the VSO have included the journalists Jon Snow, Brian Hanrahan, Mike Wooldridge and Michael Brunson, and the MP Hilary Armstrong who is volunteering again as part of Project PolVol.

For more information on volunteering opportunities with VSO visit www.vso.org.uk.