STAFF at a top North-East Indian restaurant are hoping to cook up an award - or even two.

Firstly, Zak Ahmed, manager of Spice Island, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and his team, will attend the second Asian Curry Awards.

Then, just 24 hours later, they will take their place at the British Curry Awards - the industry's 'Oscars'.

Spice Island is nominated in the Best North-East Restaurant category of both awards.

The Asian Curry Awards take place on Sunday, November 25, at the Marriott Hotel in London's Park Lane.

Then on Monday, the British Curry Awards - now in their eighth year - will be held at Battersea Evolution.

Also nominated for Best North-East Restaurant at the British Curry Awards are The Last Days of The Raj in Low Fell, Gateshead, and Newcastle restaurants Vujon and Spice Cube.