Let’s curry favour with the judges

LOVERS of Indian food are being urged to back Oldham’s curry restaurants in a bid to win one of them a major national award.

Five years on from the launch of the British Curry Awards — now firmly established as the Oscars of the curry restaurant industry — the town is still to have its first winner.

But organisers are hoping the 2009 competition will change all that.

Awards founder Enam Ali said: “It seems crazy a town like Oldham has not yet featured among our award winners.

“We know there are some terrific curry restaurants in and around the town, but they can only be considered if they receive nominations from the public.

“I hope the borough’s curry lovers will get behind them and make sure their favourites are included this year.”

Award nominations can be submitted online at www.britishcurrywards.co.uk. The deadline for entries is August 14.

Judges narrow down the field to a national list of 100 prior to selecting the best in 10 British regions, including the North-West award won last year by the Indian Ocean in Ashton.

This year’s winners will be announced on November 3 at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by former TV presenter Sir Trevor McDonald in London.