AN East Lancashire takeaway has made it to the North West final of the English Curry Awards.

Hawaii Indian takeaway on Burnley Road, Padiham has been shortlisted as one of the best takeaways in the country.

Co-owner Jahid Miah and his team, including waiter Ustar Ali and chef assistant Shipare Ahmed, said the were excited to make it to the final and hoped their loyal customers would vote for them to win.

Mr Miah, who has been co-owner of the takeaway since last year, said: “I have been very excited about making the final of the English Curry Awards.

“We received a call congratulating us on making the final from one of the award’s organisers.

“It is very unusual for a takeaway to be nominated for an award.

“I said ‘What?’ in surprise at the call but what fantastic news?

“They then sent an email to me to officially confirm the news.

“A lot of customers have been phoning me since and giving me words of congratulations which makes me feel very proud.”

The Indian takeaway sell various food products including kebabs, pizza and curries.

Mr Miah, who lives on Kibble Grove in Burnley said: “We try to keep our customers happy with the good quality food we provide.”

Mr Miah’s takeaway is up against four other finalists at the 7th English Curry Awards ceremony.

The other finalists include a Lancashire rival - Tuk Tuk Indian in Preston - as well as Spice Island In Bolton, Zaffrani Takeaway in Manchester and Bhaji Fresh in Warrington.

A spokesperson for the English Curry Awards said: “For the regional categories finalists will receive a certificate for making it to the final.

“The overall winner will get an actual award, a trophy.

“There will be three independent judges who decide the outcome who are all food reviewers.”

The awards ceremony will be held in Manchester at the Mecure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel August 27.

Burnley councillor Lian Pate said: “Its a really nice story for Burnley which has had a number of award winning eateries in the past.

“It’s great news for Burnley and it shows the quality of food that people can produce.

“It’s already a winner in the area itself.”

To find out more contact https://www.facebook.com/TheEnglishCurryAwards/.