A Braintree takeaway has thanked its loyal customers after reaching the regional final of the British Takeaway Awards.

Balti Night, in Manor Street, was one of five Eastern restaurants to reach the glitzy final ceremony where staff got to rub shoulders with the likes of TV chef Ainsley Harriott.

These finalists were selected after a long public voting process.

Although the business did not come home with the crown, manager Jakir Hussan said it was humbling to have been supported by customers.

He said: "It is one of our proudest moments in our life knowing we were the only Braintree takeaway selected in the top five amongst the very best in Britain.

"Regardless winning or losing, the fact our small business made it this far was just beyond words, from 13 regions being involved there were hundreds restaurants and takeaways competing with all types of cuisines."

Earlier this year, Balti Night was also awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving good customer reviews on the site.

Mr Hussan said: "We said to ourselves sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step."

Balti Night has been a feature of the town centre for more than 30 years.