BRADFORD faces a mammoth battle in its bid to be crowned Britain's Curry Capital for an unprecedented fifth year.

Yesterday, the city began its fight to retain the coveted title for 2015, but tourism bosses said this year they would really have to step it up a gear.

That's because just like a great curry, Bradford's successful bids in previous years have been a closely-guarded blend of secret ingredients - a pinch of community cohesion here, a dash of wacky contests there - which have won over the judges time after time.

But this year its winning recipe has been laid bare, with organisers of the hugely competitive contest using Bradford as a model of what it would like to see from all entrants.

According to judges, the 'Bradford model' contains not just excellent restaurants, but also sees local businesses, hotels, schools and even the Mayor joining in, all with the aim of achieving 'community cohesion through curry'.

It means with all councils expected to take this tack, Bradford will have to have new stunts and events up its sleeve if it wants to retain the title.

Patricia Tillotson, tourism manager at Bradford Council, said: "We are really having to step up our bid this year, because they can all see all of our past bids.

"We are very proud to have been chosen as a blueprint but obviously it means we have really got to work hard to be innovative and come up with something new."

Tourism bosses would not reveal the events they had planned, saying they were top-secret as they didn't want to tip off the opposition.

But they did unveil their new mascot, teddy bear Peshwari Paws, who will be popping up in restaurants across the city as the bid takes shape.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's executive member for culture, said: "Every year we have to be one step ahead of the competition and every year people learn from Bradford's success, so it is very competitive.

"We do still have the best curry restaurants, that's without doubt, but we have to make sure people vote for Bradford and show their support for the great curry we have."

People are now being asked to nominate their favourite curryhouse in Bradford, as part of the first stage of the contest. The four most popular restaurants will be asked to represent Bradford in this year's contest.

To nominate a curryhouse, visit www.visitbradford.com/currycapital, e-mail vote@fedrest.com or vote in person at the Visitor Information Centre, Broadway, Bradford.