An Indian restaurant in St Albans curried favour with judges to be named for the Best Spice Restaurant in the south east of England.

And last week Chad Rahman, the owner of the Chez Mumtaj in London Road, collected the award at the ninth annual awards ceremony in London and was attended by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The curry industry covers 10,000 restaurants and 80,000 employees across the UK and contributes £3.6 billion annually to the economy.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said: "The curry industry has been contributing, achieving and rising and that is the spirit we need more than ever in this country today.

"From the bottom of my heart, let me say thank you for everything you give to our country. Thank you for the tremendous kindness that you have shown me this evening, I wish this Great British industry every possible success in the years to come."

After congratulating Chad on receiving his award at the ceremony, St Albans MP Anne Main said: "It is fantastic to have a St Albans winner.

"These awards are the pinnacle of the curry industry and will be a great boost not only to Chez Mumtaj, but also for the entire curry industry in St Albans.

"I am sure that St Albans must represent one of the most, if not the most, decorated areas for spice restaurants in the UK. It is another example of St Albans businesses leading the way in excellence and I pay tribute to them in general and Chez Mumtaj in particular."