A SYRIAN refugee handed over profits from his new business to help the homeless on the same day he was named runner up in a national competition.

Mouhyedin Alkalel launched his Falafel Fella business just months ago in the hope that the venture would succeed and in the process, help him to give something back to his adopted community.

After fleeing his war-torn country and embarking upon a gruelling journey, Mr Alkalel was eventually given refuge in Darlington as part of a UN vulnerable persons resettlement scheme.

Having arrived in an unfamiliar country with no English, he was helped by Darlington Assistance for Refugees and eventually taken in to the home of Fran and Martin Wood, whom he credits for helping him to get to the point where he felt confident enough to follow his dreams and open his own business.

Touched by the overwhelming kindness and support showed by those who welcomed him to the town, the 26-year-old was inspired to do what he could to support others in turn.

After being touched by the plight of homeless people he met while running his falafel stall, he recently decided to donate a day’s profits to the Salvation Army, who run a regular foodbank helping vulnerable people in Darlington.

He subsequently handed over a cheque for £125 to Majors Shirley and Marc McKenzie, who will put the funds towards their work in the community.

Major Shirley McKenzie said: “It’s great that he wants to pay something back to the community that welcomed him and we will do what we can to invest that money into the community to make sure everybody feels welcome and valued in Darlington.”

Hours later, Mr Alkalel was told that he had been named runner-up in the Vegan Food UK Small Business Awards, having been nominated by customers.

He said: “It means a lot to me to do something and have people love it, it is wonderful and I did not expect to be so successful.

“I’m also very happy to have been able to offer a small amount of help for the homeless and wish that I could have collected more money.

“But this is just the beginning and I am grateful to everyone who came to support me in helping the homeless.

“I really know how it feels to be on your own – no-one cares about you or cares for you without a family.

“It’s a very difficult feeling and I hope other people can be motivated to help the homeless, too.”