A York architect with a passion for cooking has won the Bradford Curry Competition.

Chris Cook, 48, who runs his own business in York, decided to spice up his life by doing a Thai cookery class at York College of Further and Higher Education.

Although he had never done any Thai cooking before, he had a go at inventing his own recipe for the competition run by Aagrah Restaurants in Bradford, and surprised himself by scooping first prize.

Mr Cook, who lives in Priory Street, York, said: "I have been practising on my friends for a few months now and they probably never want to eat another curry again."

But he said any plans to build on his success with a career change would be kept on the back burner.

"I am keeping a fairly open mind on that at the moment, obviously it would be quite a big decision, I think I'll keep my day job."

Simon Dunn, co-ordinator of the competition, said it was aimed at promoting Asian cuisine to a wider audience.

He said: "The competition emphasises that Asian cooking is open to Europeans as well."

The winning dish was Thai Green Chicken Curry and Lamb Curry served with green jasmine rice.

Mr Cook received a certificate and £100 prize money. John Benson Smith, chef director at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, also offered Mr Cook the opportunity to prepare his winning meal for customers one night during the summer.

He said: "It is going to be quite a challenge particularly at that restaurant which has got very high standards." <!C-#include virtual="/ep/newsfooter.html"

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