Food outlets in the Thirsk area appear generally to have reacted less positively to people isolating themselves, than has been the case in other areas.

After a search of websites and social media pages, Racha Thai Bistro, in Bakers Alley, off the Market Place in

Thirsk, stood out for its response.

Its most recent review read: "I cannot thank you enough, after a long day working as a frontline nurse and getting away late, you guys stayed open especially so I could collect some food. It was delicious as always and very much needed. Thank you for being so kind."

Cynics might say it's perhaps not surprising Racha gets such praise considering it is offering a 50 per cent discount for NHS and emergency services staff who can identify themselves with relevant ID. Others might herald the restaurant for doing so.

From March 17, the restaurant which opened in 2016 shut its doors and launched a Tuesday to Sunday takeaway and home delivery service for £2.

Not having had lunch we were hungry and ordered at about 5.50pm, and despite the early hour and smallish order were warned the delivery would be at 6.45pm. Ordering was simple as you can select what principle ingredient you want - such as chicken, seafood, tofu etc - to feature in most of the dishes, so no wading through several pages of menu.

In the event, the meal didn't arrive until gone 7pm, but on opening the plastic boxes we realised it had been worth the wait unlike normal takeaways we discovered dishes presented as they would have been plated in the restaurant.

The bhoo nim tord (£6.95) - batter fried soft shell crab, served with mayonnaise and chilli sauce and crushed peanut - was a lip-smackingly delicious start and the gee hoy (£6.95) - scallops with herb sauce was pretty good. The portions were smallish, but the quality was excellent.

Our soups (£5.95) - hot and sour Tom Yum clear king prawn and tom kah mixed seafood coconut - were fragrant with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and coriander.

We had the gang keaw warn green curry with sea bass (£15.95), which was the most expensive dish on the menu, but it was value for money with a soft, chunky fillet amid a complex sauce with some unusual ingredients, such as aubergine peas. Our penang red curry (£11.50) came with light-as-air battered tofu and consequently we could have done with a few more vegetables. Unlike some Thai restaurants, none of the food was that spicy. However, we overlooked that its menu asks customers to ask if they would like more or less heat.

To order, call 01845 524265.

10% discount on takeaway Opening Hours: Tues-Sun: 5-10 pm