AN Indian restaurant specialising in traditional dishes opens to customers in Darlington today.

The Jeera restaurant, in Northgate, had a launch party last night.

The business, owned by Mokrom Ali, of the Spice Island takeaway shop in the Denes area of town, has opened the business with head chef Mohammed Akik Miah, who he trained.

Akik Miah, who has been a chef for seven years, said the food on offer would include traditional dishes from various regions of India.

"The dishes we have on our menu reflect our belief in the freshly cooked and lightly spiced flavours of traditional cooking," he said.

As well as popular dishes, such as chicken tikka masala, jalfrezi and bhuna, there will be a number of chef's specials available.

The restaurant seats 102 people. It will be open from noon to 2pm on Sundays, Thursday and Saturdays, 6pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 6pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Takeaway meals can also be collected from the restaurant.