Bradford retains Curry Capital of Britain title Published duration 20 October 2014

image copyright visit bradford image caption Bradford restaurants, businesses and the council bid for the city to be Curry Capital 2014

Bradford has been named curry capital of the year for the fourth year in a row.

The city retained the title as it was said to have "used curry as a bonding agent to bring different aspects of society together".

Restaurants, businesses, the council and Visit Bradford organised an Asian afternoon tea, a poppadom challenge and an NHS recipe book of healthy curries.

Brighton came second and Birmingham third in the competition.

Aakash, Kipling's, Shimla Spice and Zaara's were the four restaurants representing the city, while butchers Lishman's of Ilkley made a curry sausage and a chicken balti pie, and Keelham Farm Shop created a takeaway meal.

Local pride

Organiser Peter Grove said: "Of all the competing cities, Bradford most understood the underlying message of the event; to promote cohesion where there was division.

"They managed to portray the local pride they have in all things Bradford."

The Curry Capital of the Year title was first awarded in 2001 and has been won by Bradford in 2004, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Ratings from the Food Standards Authority and comments from Trip Advisor were also used in the judging.

National Curry Week is in its 17th year.