A KEIGHLEY restaurant is celebrating after helping Bradford retain its coveted Curry Capital of Britain crown for the fourth year running.

Shimla Spice was one of four top eateries representing the district in this year's competition.

Manager Iftikhar Hussain said he was delighted the South Street restaurant had once again played its part in bringing the accolade back to Bradford.

"It's a great honour and we are very proud," he said.

"We are the only restaurant to feature on the winning team for four years in a row.

"People come from a wide area to eat here as a result of our success in this competition, so it is putting Keighley on the map. It is great for the town.

"I would like to thank our customers for their support."

Bradford – whose team also included Aakash, Kipling’s and Zaara’s – beat off competition from cities such as London and Birmingham to take the title.

The bid, spearheaded by Visit Bradford, featured activities including poppadom challenges and an Asian afternoon tea.

Funds were raised for the charity, The Curry Tree.

Patricia Tillotson, tourism manager at Visit Bradford, said: "Winning the hotly contested competition this many times in a row is a first and we’re pleased to have set the bar so high."

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for employment, skills and culture, paid tribute to all those involved.

"I’d particularly like to thank our tourism team for arranging a number of successful events over the past couple of months – the hard work certainly paid off," she said.

An awards ceremony will be held in Bradford next week.