THE oldest curry house in Blackburn has celebrated more than 50 years in business.

Khyber Restaurant and Takeaway in Whalley Range has not stopped filling empty bellies in the town since it opened in 1966.

It was opened up as the ‘Khyber Cafe’ by Sher Mohammed after he came over from Pakistan in the late 1950s.

He originally moved to Birmingham before settling in Lancashire.

Mr Mohammed retired in 2002 and handed over the reins to his sons, Salim and Faheem, who said the businesses’ success was providing people with food they want.

Salim, 34, said: “It was a big deal when my dad opened the restaurant because it was the first of its kind.

“There was nowhere else that served this sort of food.

“It’s become a real family operation and we have regular customers that have been coming to us for several years.

“They’ve been coming so long their children come to us too, so we’ve got to know families quite well.

“It’s been great to work here, I like the fact I’m carrying on my father’s hard work.”

The establishment was shortlisted for the Best Takeaway in the Lancashire Telegraph’s Food and Drink Awards last year.

Mr Mohammed’s elder brother, Qadeem, opened up a Khyber takeaway in Whalley Road, Clitheroe, two years ago.

Mr Mohammed said: “We’ve physically changed over the years to keep the place modern and up-to-date, but the food quality has never changed.

“It’s important to know what your customers want and try and make your food available to as many people as possible.”

Cllr Suleman Khonat, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said he has visited the restaurant all his life.

He said: “The workshop and quality of food is at a very high standard.

“We have to remember there is no one else who has gone to that level and been there for so long.

“Many businesses come and go and don’t stick around.

“I am very pleased because they are a very well respected family.

“It has grown from strength to strength and it can only get better.

“It is also fair to say it is not just the Asian community this business reaches to.

“When people mention Shear Brow they think of a predominantly Asian community, but the restaurant attracts people from all over Blackburn, which is really good to see.

“A big congratulations is in order for reaching the milestone and it would be great if they have another 50 years.”