A COUNTY Durham curry house has been short-listed for a national award.

The newly opened Cinnamon Club restaurant in Trimdon, which features a champagne bar, has been nominated by the public in the best newcomer category, for restaurants which have been open three years or less.

Restaurant owner Sabir Ahmed said he is honoured to be nominated for an award after opening his doors for the first time in June.

He said: “We are overwhelmed with this whole competition and we are truly honoured and humbled firstly to have even been nominated, but also with the support and messages we have received within the local area so far.

“Just to be shortlisted is incredible in its self, but of course we would love to win and believe with our food and beautiful venue here in Durham, we could be close. So fingers crossed.

“We have only been open since June, and to achieve this level of success and accolade already is just amazing for us, long may it continue.”

The National Curry Awards 2014 will take place in London on Monday, December 1.