A NORTHWICH bistro has been helping to cool shoppers down today on the hottest day of the year, by giving away free refreshments to passers-by.

High Street eatery Kanya has a track record of getting into the community spirit, and its latest good deed has been putting smiles on faces in the town centre today.

A table has been laid out outside the bistro with bottles of water, jugs of squash, and lolly pops, with a sign encouraging people to stay cool and help themselves.

The sign reads: “Please feel free to grab a bottle and stay hydrated.”

Co-owner Monika Palka told the Guardian she believes that looking out for the community is more important than counting pennies.

Monika said: “It’s so hot today and I can see everybody struggling. I can see people struggling, and dogs struggling, so we decided to do something to help keep everyone hydrated.

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“We’ve been here for 10 years and we’re very involved in the community. Most of the people who pass here are customers who we know by name and we care about them as people.

“It costs a little bit of money to give away free bottles of water but it really isn’t that much and I don’t think business is all about counting pennies. It’s not as important as caring for people and showing that we want to engage with the community, and you can see that everybody is grateful for it.”