AN INDIAN restaurant in Malpas has won top prize at the national Curry Life Awards.

Forts of India won ‘best restaurant’ category at the annual industry awards held in central London for best Indian in Cheshire West.

More than 800 people attended the gala evening hosted by TV presenters Cathy Newman and Adam Shaw.

Akhtar Miah’s passion for cooking came at the tender age of 15 and he learnt his trade in a succession of restaurants before opening his own business in 2011 with his uncle and cousins.

“We want people to have a great night out and it still gives me pleasure to see people leave with smile on their faces," said Akhtar.

"It’s a tough business but making people happy makes that worthwhile.”

Syed Belal Ahmed, editor of Curry Life Magazine, which organises the Curry Life Awards, added: “We have been championing the British curry cuisine for many years and despite being hit hard by several recessions, it has managed to survive and flourish.

“There are pressing issues that need to be resolved, such as relaxing overseas work permits and a sensible discussion about spiralling business rates, but awards ceremony was about recognition and celebration of much loved British curry.”