A chef from West Wickham has won a prestigious award at the ‘Oscars’ of the curry world.

Shibbir Ahmed who works at Indian Diner on High Street, was named the BCA Best Chef of the Year 2017 on Sunday.

The Bangladesh Caterers’ Association Awards (BCA) event was held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster, and is in its 12th year.

Chefs were judged on their innovation, presentation of food, hygiene standards and customer service; and had to compete with thousands of entrants.

Mr Ahmed said: “We are so proud to win BCA’s Chef of the Year Award for our region.

“The competition was tough and now we want people to come and experience our food and support the British curry industry – cooking is our first-love.”

The award ceremony was attended by 1,200 guests and co-hosted by news anchor Tasmin Lucia Khan and actor Alexis Conran.

President of the BCA, Kamal Yakub, said: “Our Awards showcase the talent of these extremely hardworking Chefs. They have a lot to be proud of - they are inspiring the next generation of Curry Chefs.”

The BCA has been representing the Bangladeshi curry industry since 1960, ensuring that it actively represents the issues affecting this sector by lobbying government.

The key issue right now for the BCA is the shortage of skilled curry chefs.

BCA represents over 12,000 UK curry houses and takeaways; and is an industry that contributes £4.2 billion to the economy, creating thousands of jobs.

Secretary general of the BCA, Oli Khan, said: “BCA is an industry leader, where our Awards are like the Oscars. It is exciting to be able to acknowledge the fantastic work of these winning Chefs who are making curry great!”