A CURRY cook-off was held at a North-East college with several Indian restaurants and takeaways taking part.

The competition at Darlington College was designed to find the town's healthiest curry.

Organised by the Environmental Health Agency, the event was the final of the competition which started in September.

Out of the 34 Indian restaurants and takeaways in the area, only those with three or more hygiene stars were invited to apply.

Environmental officer Angela Sanderson said: "The idea is to put out their healthier options for people looking to eat out."

She added: "We are looking to drive health standards in the community, we had a restaurant that missed out on the competition because of their two-star hygiene rating who then called up to ask if they could be reinspected in hope of bettering their rating. So it appears to be working."

As well as hygiene and the amount of healthy ingredients, judges were to consider appearance, taste and originality.

James Butterfield, judge and head of catering at the college said: "The standard has been very good and we are keen to invite the winners back to work with the students on healthy food initiatives."

"We are also looking to run a similar competition with local Chinese restaurants in the future."

Matiur Rahman, of Spice of Life takeaway, one of the seven finalists said: "It's been good competition and we have enjoyed the challenge. It's been hard work but it is good to see everybody coming together."

Many of the finalists used olive oil and fresh chicken among other ingredients in an attempt to make their dishes healthier.

The eventual winner was New Bengal Tandoori, of Victoria Road, Darlington.