SHIMLA Spice has picked up more awards.

The curry house chain, with branches in Shipley, Keighley and Burnley, won two titles at the English National Curry Awards in Birmingham.

Staff scooped the Best Chef in England and Best Team in England titles.

Manager Faz Hussain said in the past the eatery group had twice won restaurant of the year award but this time the emphasis was on rewarding the company's hard-working staff.

"It is the chefs and team that makes it happen," he said.

"You need to motivate your team.

"What makes a restaurant is the chef, team, food and service."

He said the awards were decided by judges after the public voted for their favourite restaurants with those getting the highest number of votes going through to the shortlist.

The judges then 'mystery shop' the shortlisted eateries, looking at the all-round business, checking the quality of the food and the service.

The Shimla Spice group has 100 staff who rotate between its three restaurants. It has operated in Keighley for 17 years and in Shipley for 10.