Indian restaurants across the North East have impressed judges to claim prizes at the English Curry Awards.
Newcastle 's Jaipur Exclusive Indian Restaurant & Takeaway was named North East Restaurant of the Year at the ceremony, held in Birmingham.
Firuz Khan, who runs Jaipur, in West Road, West Denton , said: "All credit goes to our dedicated team for their hard work and passion. Thanks to all our customers for nominating us, making us worthy and supporting us for over 25 years.
"We love what we do and put 110% love and passion into our work. We are a family-built business, and want our customers to feel welcomed and a part of the family.
"We try to make them feel at home and make sure they leave with a memorable evening - I guess that’s what makes any business a success."
Delhi 6 beat stiff competition to be named England's New Restaurant of the Year, capping an impressive 12 months for the Indian street food eatery, which has brought new twists and contemporary flavours to South Shields' 'Curry Mile' of Ocean Road.
The restaurant was opened by Lalon Amin, who fulfilled a dream to open a business in the same site where his father used to run a curry house.
Lalon was thrilled to pick up the award.
He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our team for working so hard to ensure our values and vision are maintained. Thank you to all of our lovely customers who have supported us.
"Without you we couldn't have become anywhere near as successful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each one of you. Truly humbled by your support and custom, together we won.
"Lastly thank you to my father for inspiring me to become the restaurateur I am today."
Elsewhere in South Shields, Namaste was named the North East's 'Most Wanted Restaurant of the Year'.
Whitley Bay's Shikara won a national 'Critics' Choice' award.
Posting on Facebook, the Shikara's management team said: "We did it! We won.
"Overwhelmed to receive the Critics’ Choice Restaurant of the Year at the English Curry Awards 2019 in Birmingham.
"Thank you to all of our customers for your continued support we couldn't have done this without you."
Dilshad Tandoori in Stakeford, Northumberland, was crowned North East Takeaway of the Year, while Jarrow's Viking Tandoori won Takeaway and Home Delivery of the Year.
