A kebab shop in East Lancashire that has been open for 20 years has been named among the best in the country after being shortlisted for a national award.

Turkish Best Kebab, in Todmorden Road, Burnley, has made it to the finals of the British Kebab Awards.

It is the only kebab shop in Lancashire to have made the shortlist.

The business, best known for its kebab deals, calzones, wraps and beyond, has been nominated for best kebab delivery shop on JustEat.

Ismail Aydin has been the business director since 2002 and has thanked customers for supporting the business in the last 20 years.

He said: “This is amazing news, we truly have our customers to thank. Without them we would be nothing.

“We have being going for 20 years now and have maintained the same high level of quality throughout those years.

“This award has boosted our morale and we hope it boosts business even further too.

“It feels great to have been the only Lancashire business to feature on the list. Now we will plough on and continue to do our best.”

Turkish Best Kebab will now compete with businesses across the UK, when the final takes place in February 2023.

The awards, run in association with Just Eat and supported by the Kebab Alliance, the sector’s trade body, are in their 11th year and this year have attracted record breaking numbers of entries.

They recognise and champion the efforts of local kebab takeaways and restaurants across the UK.

Ibrahim Dogus, founder of the British Kebab Awards and Director of the recently formed Kebab Alliance, said: “Kebab eateries are a key part of the local community and it’s great to see so many entries at the end of a year that has tested every business operating in the hospitality sector.

"Getting to the shortlist is a real achievement given the competition across the country and all outlets should be rightly proud. We wish all finalists the best of luck."

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “I would like to send my best wishes to the British Kebab Awards and congratulate all the nominees.

"This ceremony is one of the highlights of the calendar and a chance to celebrate a much-loved cuisine.

“These awards highlight the importance of the kebab industry’s contributions to the country's culture and economy.”

Andrew Kenny, UK managing director of longstanding award sponsors Just Eat, added: “We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship of the British Kebab Awards, which recognises individuals and businesses at the forefront of the kebab industry.

“Not only do the shortlisted restaurants and takeaways serve fantastic food, they also offer a vital source of local jobs, bring diversity to our high streets and make a significant contribution to the UK economy - particularly important at the end of a challenging year.”

Nadhim Zahawi MP, chair of the Conservative Party, said: “Like much of the hospitality sector, kebab houses were hit hard by the pandemic, which is why there has never been a better time to fan the flames of Britain’s love affair with kebabs than by supporting The British Kebab Awards this year.

“This year’s awards serve not just as an opportunity to recognise the Kebab Houses which have continued to excite palates and fill stomachs in the face of so much adversity, but also as an opportunity to stride towards enhanced standards and an ever more vibrant industry as we emerge from the ashes of coronavirus.”

You can vote for Turkish Best Kebab by visiting voting.britishkebabawards.com/turkish-best-kebab