A SIX-YEAR-OLD Ilkley girl's curry recipe has been judged the tastiest in the Bradford district.

Annabelle Lewis, who attends Burley Oaks Primary School in Burley-in-Wharfedale, won the Create a Curry contest held by Bradford Council’s school catering service.

The competition was run as part of the World Curry Festival 2016 which took place across Bradford and Leeds in September.

Judges were looking for a curry which was healthy, great tasting, homemade and affordable.

The judges also wanted to know a little bit about the recipe. Whether it had been passed down through the generations in the family, or was created by the pupil themselves through their love of cooking.

Annabelle was presented with a certificate and prize during a special assembly today by Damien O’Brien, development chef for FM Catering Services, Bradford Council’s in-house school caterer and the head judge for the competition.

Not only did Mr O'Brien present a delighted Annabelle with her prize, he also stayed to help Donna Clayton the school cook, in preparing the curry for everyone to enjoy at lunchtime.

Annabelle’s winning dish is entitled Nursery Curry - a name she gave it because it was the only thing her sister would eat when she was at nursery, and it’s now a dish her whole family love to eat.

And as a result of Annabelle’s success in the competition, thousands of school children across the Bradford district will also be able enjoy her Nursery Curry when it is put onto the school menus as a special dish option in the New Year.

Claire Lee, head teacher of Burley Oaks Primary School said: "We were delighted to see Annabelle receiving her award this morning.

"In the assembly, we learned about Bradford hosting the World Curry Festival which welcomed international chefs to the city. Annabelle’s winning recipe has been brought to life and was served to all our children at lunchtime – it scored a fabulous 10/10 and the children are keen to have it on our regular menu. It was certainly a treat, served with rice and naan bread too."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “Our school catering staff provide local school children with high-quality, healthy meals on a daily basis.

"This competition, as part of the World Curry Festival 2016, gave the opportunity for younger pupils to learn how to create healthy meals and our congratulations go to Annabelle for her winning recipe.

“It is great that Annabelle’s “Nursery Curry” will also feature as a special dish option on school menus in the New Year.”

The prize Annabelle will receive is for a family meal at the Jinnah restaurant in Bradford.The company was among the sponsors of the World Curry Festival 2016.