A FAMILY-RUN curry house has been given the perfect 21st birthday present – as it was crowned as the best takeaway in England.

Spice Island, in Tonge Moor Road, picked up the North West and nationwide Takeaway of the Year prizes at the English Curry Awards on Monday night.

Owner Joynal Uddin first set up the takeaway more than two decades ago and was overjoyed to take home the prestigious title from the ceremony at the The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

The 49-year-old said: "It is the 21st anniversary of us opening this month, so this is a big anniversary present for us.

"There were nine family members who went to the ceremony and we had a fantastic time.

"The nominations were put forward by customers and we didn't really have any idea about it.

"As well as the customer comments, they also take into account the history of the takeaway and how we run it.

"As far as I can remember, this is the first time we have ever been up for any kind of award, so we are all delighted.

"We have never really thought about going in for awards, we only care about keeping our customers happy.

"It makes us so happy to know that people appreciate what we are doing here, and I want to thank our chef Mehbub Hussain too."

Mr Uddin, whose son Nazim now manages the curry house, says he was humbled by the comments left by customers and proud to represent Bolton on a national stage.

The father-of-six added: "When we first opened, we went for years without a day off because we wanted to make sure everything was always right.

"Even now, we don't like not being here to make sure everyone is happy.

"To be rewarded like this for so many years of hard work is great. We were all absolutely over the moon when they said we had won, and the children have been posting it all over social media.

"We are very proud to have received such great comments from our customers and to have represented Bolton as the best takeaway in England."

Two Bolton restaurants, Spice Valley and the Royal Balti House, were nominated for Restaurant of the Year.

Sai Spice Indian Restaurant, which has a site in Farnworth and one in Chorlton, was also named as a contender in the Best of Manchester section.