A Beckenham curry chef has won a major regional award.

Mahmudur Rashid, who represents Agra restaurant, was named as the Kent region's winner at this year's Bangladesh Caterers Association awards.

The event was held at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster, with the theme of The Home of Great British Curry.

Mahmudur said: "Our hard work has paid off and we are very proud to win BCA's Chef of the Year Award for our region.

"We need the support of local people to come and experience our food and support the British Curry Industry - cooking curry is our first love."

The awards are now in their 14th year and are highly regarded by the Bangladeshi curry industry.

The 11 winning regional chefs won their awards for their innovation, presentation of food, hygiene standards and customer service; and had to compete with thousands of entrants, facing strong competition.

The event was co-hosted by Tasmin Lucia Khan, British film producer and TV news anchor who is known for being the face of BBC Three News.

Also there was Alexis Conran, radio presenter, actor and Celebrity Master Chef winner 2016.

Mitu Choudhury, secretary general of the BCA, said: "It is exciting to be able to acknowledge the fantastic work of these winning chefs who are inspiring the next generation of curry chefs."

Saidur Rahman Bipul, BCA's chief treasurer, added: "BCA chefs are passionate, creating a cross-cultural fusion of flavours by innovating curry, blending spices, crafting marinades and other magic in their kitchens. They are making sure that curry remains the national dish."