A local chef has been recognised at a national awards ceremony six months after opening the doors to an Indian restaurant.

Ansar Miah, who is head chef at Markyate Spice, in High Street, , was chosen alongside 23 other keen cooks to take the title of ‘Best Chef’ in the Curry Life Awards 2016.

The gala event was hosted by Celebrity Masterchef finalist, Louise Minchin, and celebrates contribution to the curry industry.

More than 1,200 UK restaurants took part in the awards and over 600 guests attended the ceremony in London.

Ansar, who opened the restaurant with owner Gyash Uddin six months prior to receiving the award, said: “It is wonderful to be recognised as we only opened for business six months ago, but our partnership has been bubbling for a lot longer.

“I don’t get out of the kitchen much, so it was nice to be waited on for a change.

“The award is for the whole team and I would also like to thank all of our customers.”

Event organiser and editor of Curry Life Magazine, Syed Belal Ahmed, added: “We want our chefs to keep raising the bar because the curry made in this country is unique and has developed independently of its birthplace on the Indian subcontinent.”