The owner of three Indian restaurants has described winning a national award as making "a big difference" in "tough times".

Labone Indian Cuisine, which has restaurants in North Walsham, Lowestoft and Sheringham, was named one of the UK's best curry houses at the Bangladesh Caterers Awards (BCA) last month.

Following the win, owner Folik Choudhury said the award was the "Oscars of Indian food" - adding that the victory had already boosted business.

Eastern Daily Press:

“We are so proud our hard work and love for making curry has been recognised," he said.

"Thank you for recognising our talented team, our chefs and importantly the contribution we are making to the curry industry.

"Times have been tough, times are still tough, but this award is making a big difference.

"It’s a triumph, we ask everyone locally to continue supporting us.”

Eastern Daily Press:

The BCA said it picked Labone as the best restaurant in the east of England for its high standards for innovation, presentation of food, hygiene and customer service.

Labone narrowly missed out on being named the country's best following its regional win which saw it beat hundreds of other restaurants.

The BCA said the restaurant served "fantastic food" describing it as a "much-loved sight on the high street".

Eastern Daily Press:

Saidur Rahman Bipul, chief treasurer of the BCA said: “All BCA winners are not just inspiring, they are keeping the legacy of British curry alive.

"The awards show the best of what our curry houses have to offer.”

The ceremony, on October 30 at Park Plaza in London, saw Greg Wallace and Tasmin Lucia-Khan host and present the awards.

Mitu Choudhury, secretary general of the BCA, added: “BCA celebrates the very best of the Bangladeshi curry industry, shining a light on great local curry houses. 

"All the winners are inspirational, creating some of the best experiences on the high street.”

The award comes after the curry house held a fundraiser for victims of the Bangladesh floods.