BRADFORD'S record-breaking fourth Curry Capital title is a result of bringing cultures together, says the city's winning team and the competition's founder.

The city was yesterday named winner of the prestigious title - the fifth time it has come second to naan in 12 years of the competition.

Peter Grove, organiser and founder of Curry Capital of Britain, said Bradford had a "magic formula" and used curry as a "bonding agent" to bring the city together.

Four restaurants represented Bradford - Shimla Spice and Zaara's, of Shipley, Kipling's in Greengates, and Aakash in Cleckheaton. They were boosted by input from other local businesses, including Keelham Farm Shop, Lishman's of Ilkley, and Cafe Zoya, of Leeds Road in Bradford.

Bradford’s bid for the 2014 title included poppadom challenges, an Asian afternoon tea, and the creation of a healthy-style Asian cookbook.

Mr Grove said: "It is as if they have found the magic formula. Of all the competing cities they have understood the underlying message of the event to promote cohesion where there was division and have used curry as a bonding agent to bring different aspects of Bradford society together.

"They managed to portray the local pride they have in all things Bradford, so much so that we will be using their approach as a blueprint for next year."

Harry Khinda, of Zaara's, said: "It just shows what can be achieved if people pull in the right direction.

"The fact is that food can used to bridge a lot of gaps, especially in such a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic city such as ours.

"It wasn't just Asian food companies involved - Keelham Farm Shop for example. It encourages others to get involved."

Jason Wardill, executive chef at Keelham Farm Shop, said the business put a spicy spin on a classic English dish - bangers and mash.

"We made four curried sausages and four curry sides," said Mr Wardill. "We also made scones with ginger, cinnamon and cardamom for the afternoon tea.

"Other bids have not mixed it up like this - that is the difference."

Azhar Mahmood, restaurant manager at Aakash, said: "I am ecstatic, over the moon.

"It just shows how Bradford unites when it comes to something such as an award for the city."

Mohammed Rafiq, of Kipling's, praised the input of other businesses that got involved in the bid such as Cafe Zoya, which provided sweet treats for a Curry Capital event at the Midland Hotel.

"They didn't have to get involved," said Mr Rafiq. "But they did, and they deserve praise for that."

Mohammed Luqman, of Cafe Zoya, said: "It is good to get recognition as a city. I feel we are all ambassadors for the city where we live."

Iftikhar Hussain, restaurant manager at Shimla Spice, said Michelin-starred Indian restaurants were not a patch on what Bradford has to offer, and added: "It is fantastic. Bradford has always been the curry capital. I think Bradford is the Premier League of curries."

Bradford Council's Visit Bradford team worked alongside the restaurants to deliver the first prize. Tourism manager Patricia Tillotson said: "It’s been great to work with such passionate and talented people."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Council’s executive member for employment, skills and culture, said: "When we won last year, we didn’t think it could get any better – no one has ever won the competition three times in a row let alone four."