A newly-opened Indian restaurant billed as the world's largest is only able to serve buffets because of a staff shortage.

The Aakash Indian Restaurant in Cleckheaton was officially opened last Monday by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, John Lyles but has not yet been able to offer silver service meals because it is still 40 staff short of the number its owner wants to have.

Keith Joplin, spokesman for the restaurant, said it was a surprise to have vacancies at such a late stage. He urged people of all races and religions to apply for the jobs.

The restaurant, in the former Cleckheaton Chapel building, has more than 700 seats.

Mr Joplin said he was unsure why there had been problems attracting enough staff.

"We have full and part-time posts, we pay an above-average wage, and we give professional training," he said.

"The restaurant is open for buffet meals this week and all of next week. The week after that we hope to be open for silver service.

"At the moment, the restaurant is training new staff and doesn't want to rush that as it doesn't want customers to be disappointed."

He added tbe restaurant owners intend that coming to The Aakash should be an experience, not just a meal, and were looking for staff who would enable that to happen.

"They are very busy with the buffet meals, but want to get the silver service up and running as soon as possible," he said.

"People who come to work here will come away from it with a wide variety of experience and skills. The head chef has such high standards that people are really going to benefit from his knowledge."

Mr Joplin said staff were needed who could work front-of-house, greeting customers and acting as table hosts, among other roles.

"We need people who have a high level of customer care and enjoy looking after and meeting people," he said.

Anyone interested in applying for a vacancy should call the restaurant on (01274) 878866.