A CHEF from Wareham has been voted one of the best curry chefs in the UK at a national awards ceremony.

Executive chef Boshiur Rahman, of Monsoon Indian Cuisine, Northport, was one of 33 to receive official recognition at the 2014 Curry Chef of the Year Awards, held at London’s Lancaster Hotel.

Guests at the event included Employment Minister Esther McVey, Leicester MP Keith Vaz and former Health Secretary Frank Dobson.

Boshiur said: “To win this title is the greatest vote of confidence I could wish for, not just for myself but for my team, who work so hard to make things happen at the Monsoon. This award will inspire us to keep improving and I’d also like to thank all our customers for their help putting us on the map.”

Journalist and broadcaster Cathy Newman hosted the event, which was organised in association with Curry Life Magazine.

Miss McVey said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and it was great to celebrate the success of so many of those who are experts in their field.

“The government is committed to supporting businesses that want to grow and expand. Congratulations to the deserving winners.”

Curry Life Magazine editor Syed Belal Ahmed said: “It was a fantastic evening and a great way to recognise and celebrate the skills and talents of our curry industry.

“Events like this illustrates the strength of our love as a nation for curry. I would like to congratulate much deserving winners of this year’s Curry Life Chef Awards.”