A restaurant dubbed the largest curry house in the world will reopen under new management this month.

The Aakash in Cleckheaton, which can seat more than 800 diners, has been bought by a Manchester property tycoon for £1.7 million.

Dr Quasim Abbasali has taken control of the restaurant and says that he plans to make the venue the Indian restaurant of choice in West Yorkshire.

The restaurant, a converted 19th century chapel in Bradford Road, has been closed since last October after its former owners went into administration.

The new restaurant will still be called the Aakash and will retain the distinctive blue sky and clouds mural on its ceiling.

However the new management has vastly overhauled the interior, installing modern furnishings and decor throughout.

Dr Abbasali has been looking to get into the restaurant trade for some time, he said. He bought the site only days after the restaurant went into administration and has spent the last few months preparing it to his specifications.

Dr Abbasali said: "My bank manager told me about the building being for sale on a Friday, I went and saw it on Sunday and bought it on the Monday.

"It was extremely lucky for me as I was looking for a big place to hold Indian weddings, the problem with which is that you always have hundreds of guests attending, so this place is ideal."

The new Aakash retains the services of head chef Ejaz Hussain and former restaurant manager Naseem Akthar who now takes on the role of general manager.

As well as the restaurant, the new business is to feature a cafe serving coffees and ice cream.

Keith Joplin, president of the Spenborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said the reopening was great news for the town of Cleckheaton.

He said: "In the last year we have really missed it.

"It has always been good news for us. Before it closed it really put Cleckheaton on the map.

"We have a vibrant town centre here and a growing residential community with new homes being built in the area. It is credit to the area that people are prepared to invest so much in the town."

Mr Joplin also praised the new restaurant for making extensive use of local businesses during the refurbishment process.