A chef from Weymouth has been awarded the title of King of the Curry.

Herok Uddin, who is the head chef of Chilli’s restaurant on Queen Street, was voted as the best curry chef in the country at the annual Curry Life Awards, which celebrate the unique fusion cuisine of Indian food in the UK.

Mr Uddin, said: “I have been working in the curry business for many years and it is a great honour to be recognised. I always put 100 per cent into my cooking and I am glad people recognise that effort.

“I have picked up the award but any good restaurant is about a team effort and this award will be for everyone at the Chilli’s Restaurant. I would like to also thank all my regular customers who nominated me for this prestigious award.”

Mr Uddin collected his award in front of an audience of more than 600 people at a gala event in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, hosted by broadcaster Michael Buerk.

Mr Uddin’s friends and colleagues have praised him for his achievement.

General manager Panna Uddin, said: “We’re all delighted for Herok. He is an amazing chef and whatever he touches tastes great. He is a really creative person with a passion for good food “It made a change for him to be sitting down and being waited on at the awards ceremony. It was great evening for everyone and the award is something we can all be proud of.”

This year’s Curry Life Awards ceremony recognised the best restaurants, chefs and takeaways in the curry business.

Chief Guest at the ceremony Sir Keir Starmer MP, Shadow BREXIT Secretary, said: “The curry industry makes a huge contribution to the economy and is an integral part of the UK dining experience.

“It’s been through some tough times but has continued to grow and develop to meet the growing appetite for this cuisine.

“Its employees epitomise the ethos that hard work brings success and I’m delighted they are in the spotlight tonight and able to sit back and enjoy an evening off.”

The awards ceremony was also attended by Lord Karan Bilimoria, Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer.

He said: “It’s wonderful to see the talent on show tonight. You have to be passionate to achieve anything in life and speaking to some of the winners tonight it is clear this is a vocation, not a job. I’ve worked alongside restaurateurs for many years and their dedication is something we could all learn from.”

More than £3,000 was raised on the evening of the ceremony for the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Myanmar Appeal. The DEC, which represents 13 of the UK’s leading charities, has been raising funds to support thousands of refugees fleeing torture and abuse and taking shelter in neighbouring Bangladesh.