A LOCAL restaurant has won an award for its popular Asian cuisine.

Akbar the Great on Bondgate, Darlington, was nominated by members of the public for the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA).

The award looks at popular Asian catering businesses up and down the UK and chooses a selection of finalists from each region.

On September 30, these finalists were invited to an awards ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel at the O2 in London where the winner for each region was announced.

The event was hosted by celebrity chef and TV presenter Ainsley Harriot and journalist Samantha Simmonds.

Mohammed Miah, owner of Akbar the Great restaurant, has owned catering businesses in Darlington for 40 years.

He said: “It was marvellous. So many people participated, it was really nice and genuine.

"To achieve this and be the finalist for The North-East is great, I'm pleased.

"The people of Darlington have voted and supported this. It’s nice to achieve this."

Chef Kamal Uddin has worked in the restaurant's kitchen for more than four years.

The restaurant has also received a nomination for the Asian Curry Award which will be announced later this year.