Chippenham’s Taj Mahal has been voted the best curry restaurant in all of Britain – and next it could win a Michelin star.

It won the top accolade at the national Curry Awards presented by the national Curry Magazine and the owner, Arju Miah MBE, is thrilled because it is the first time that the restaurant at The Causeway has entered the awards.

A delighted Mr Miah said: "What a great tribute for us to be recognised in this way. The past couple of years have been extremely challenging for businesses like ours and it is marvellous to emerge from such difficult times with such a top award."

He added: "Our success is very much a team effort and it is all about giving our customers the quality of service that they demand and deserve. I'd like to thank everyone who has played a part in achieving this top honour."

Mr Miah was congratulated by Matt Bushby, UK Marketing Director for Just Eat, which sponsored the awards.

He said: “You fully deserve this for standing out in this excitingly-crowded and competitive industry.”

Syed Belal Ahmed, the editor of the Curry Life Media Group, is tipping restaurants like the Taj Mahal for even more glittering prizes.

He said: "Over the years that we have been staging the awards we have seen a major stepping up of standards and quality being offered to customers, to the point where several restaurants are now in a position to challenge for accolades such as Michelin stars.

"One of the major aims of the awards has always been to highlight best practice going on across the country – so that everyone has the opportunity to learn from the best.”