TALENTED Asian cooks from Burnley have been spicing-up their recipe's in a bid to become the town's Curry King Champion.

The annual competition was started in Bradford in 1992 but is this year is to be run locally after being sponsored by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of the Environmental Health.

Three finalists Ibrahim Ali and Mingur Lama of the Usher Indian Restaurant, Rossendale Road, and Bashir Ali, of Ali's Kitchen, Colne Road, have been picked to go through to the final for their curried delights.

The trio had to satisfy the hygiene judge that they had a good understanding, knowledge and practical application of food, workplace hygiene and food safety practice to pass the first hurdle.

Julie Cockell, of Burnley's Environmental Health and Cleansing Services Department, said: "The successful entrants satisfied all the statutory requirements and went on to compete in the final round of judging which took place this week in the chefs own workplce."

They were were asked to prepare three dishes and they were assessed on the appearance, aroma, texture and taste of each dish.

Julie added: "The judges, after having tasted some of the most delicious, aromatic Asian cuisine, came to a final decision, after much deliberation and a winner was eventually chosen."

The winning chef will be announced at a ceremony to be held at Burnley Town Hall on Friday at 2.30pm.

The Mayor of Burnley Councillor Lillian Clark will present the certificates.

The winner will then go on to represent Burnley in the Regional Finals to be held in Manchester in October.