Celebrations were held by the Pakistani community in Reading for its annual Christmas get-together with MPs and politicians.
Councillors, all three Reading MPs and dignitaries of the Pakistani community met for a Christmas lunch which is held each year.
The event is organised by the Pakistan Community Centre in East Reading and its chairman, Mian Saleem Senior.
During the gathering, certificates of appreciation were given to all three Reading MPs for their support to the Pakistani community.
The MPs helped allay community concerns during the summer riots.
The certificates were given to Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central, Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley and Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire by presenters from Jeeto London, the family quiz and musical show.
Also, Mr Saleem received a Farzand-e-Pakistan award in recognition of his outstanding effort and commitment to the wellbeing and survival of the nation of Pakistan, which involved him receiving a ceremonial cap and sash.
Reflecting on the day, Mr Saleem said: “It was great to have a family get-together for our three MPs and have lunch with them.”
Mr Rodda added: “It was a pleasure to attend the Pakistan Community Centre Christmas Party and wonderful to meet members of the Pakistani Community in Reading and other members of our local community.”
Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), the council leader gave a speech, with the event also being attended by Reading Labour councillors Amjad Tarar, Daya Pal Singh, Mamuna Naz, Andrew Hornsby-Smith and Mark Keeping.
The gathering took place on Thursday, December 12.
