THE DUO who run a Carnforth takeaway have proved they have fantastic taste after being shortlisted for a top national award.

Spice Touch on Water Road in the town was named in the top seven takeaways in the UK at the British Curry Awards in London last week.

And Suhail Ali Miah, who runs Spice Touch with business partner Oly Uddin, said he was very surprised but absolutely delighted to land the coveted honour.

Ali explained that he was particularly delighted as nominations are made by customers rather than takeaway owners themselves.

And he said he was amazed to get a call from the event organisers requesting their details for their table reservation at the awards ceremony, which came after the judges made a visit earlier in the year without revealing their identity.

"Some guys came in one evening and I had an inkling as to what they were doing as I saw them making notes, but they just said they were finishing some work they were doing," he laughed.

But clearly the judges were impressed with what they saw and tasted, because a short time ago came the call inviting them to the glittering awards ceremony at the plush Battersea Evolution event venue in London last week.

There they rubbed shoulders with the likes of musician and DJ Naughty Boy and former England football ace David Seaman, and a superb night was completed when they were named in the top seven takeaways in the country, which beat last year's effort when Spice Touch just made it into the Top Ten.

"Restaurants awards are divided into regions but the takeaway category is national so we were up against competitors from all over the country," said Ali.

But there was little time to celebrate as the duo, who travel over from their homes in Keighley, West Yorkshire every day to operate the shop, were soon heading back up north to serve their growing customer base.

Those customers not only includes locals but also holidaymakers and day trippers passing through Carnforth, with some regulars travelling from as far afield as Kendal to satisfy their curry craving at Spice Touch, which in addition to takeaways also has a small full service seating area for those wishing to dine on the premises.

And what are the most popular dishes currently tickling the regulars' taste buds?

"Our South Indian garlic chicken is very popular and many people ask for our Arabian Lamb which is a stew dish," said Ali.

And he is hoping next year Spice Touch can do even better and get the vote as the very best takeaway curry in the land, which would certainly be a mouthwatering prospect both for the customers and the Carnforth culinary duo.