THE owner of a Bradford catering firm has told of his pride and joy after his company won a prestigious national award.

Aziz Ahmed said his six-strong team at Aziz Catering were “over the moon” at the firm’s success in the sixth annual English Curry Awards.

The company, which is based in Whitefield Place, Girlington, won the national Caterer of the Year accolade and the Caterer of the Year in the north award at the ceremony in Manchester on Monday night.

“It feels fantastic,” said Mr Ahmed, 58. “We are over the moon.

“We were not expecting it at all - it is such a surprise. This is the first time we have won anything.

“It is down to our hard work and dedication and customer satisfaction.

Mr Ahmed added: “I’m ecstatic and proud.

“We have been in business nearly 30 years - and always in Bradford. I’m a Bradford lad.

“We cater across England and that just goes to show that other towns regard Bradford as the main curry centre. For them to order for their weddings from Bradford and have it taken to them says a lot.”

Aziz cater for events such as weddings, seminars and conferences.

“We have a unit off Whetley Lane,” said Mr Ahmed. “We do outside catering - we are not a restaurant or a takeaway.”

The firm beat catering companies from Birmingham and Southall - which won the Midlands and South awards, respectively - to the national title.

The English Curry Awards recognise and reward the hard work and commitment of those who work tirelessly to provide the country with curry. In total, 16 awards were presented at the ceremony.

Faisal Hussain, general manager of Shipley and Keighley-based Shimla Spice, was hoping to win the Curry King of England title for the second year running.

However, he was pipped at the post by Birmingham restaurant owner Jahangir Saddiq. The Shipley restaurant also missed out on the Yorkshire restaurant of the year prize, but Shimla’s Burnley base scooped the north-west crown.

Mr Hussain said: “It’s a big thing to be nominated. I’m happy for all those who won. These are such big awards.”

Yasmin Mahmood, of event organisers Oceanic Consulting, told more than 350 guests on the night: “With a vast amount of restaurants and takeaways in England, the competition is always fierce. To be amongst such passionate people who love what they do is truly inspiring

“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, and I hope to see you next year!”