MORE than 100 diners tucked in to a curry to help raise money for a charity that highlights the dangers of drugs.

The Tandoori Parlour, in Hart Road, Thundersley, agreed to donate half its profits from the special all-you-can-eat buffet on Thursday night to a project which educates young people about drugs.

Guests were served a starter of traditional Indian snacks, such as samosas and pakora, before loading their plates from a buffet featuring a selection of curries.

Castle Point MP Bob Spink organised the night after being contacted by Thundersley Congregational Church which runs drug education classes in the town's secondary schools.

Dr Spink said: "We are all aware drugs are a growing problem and they are, sadly, easily obtainable these days."

Ian Miles, 42, a minister at the church is a former heroin addict. With his colleague, Richard Keeler, he visits the King John School and Deanes School to talk to the children about his experiences and help steer them away from drugs.

He said: "I always make the point I was one of the lucky ones who survived, but I admit at first I enjoyed doing drugs."

He is hoping to use the money to buy a drug display unit containing fake samples of drugs so children can see what they look like and to create a multimedia presentation to encourage them to learn about the dangers.