London:
Bradford, a northern English city, which used curry as a "bonding agent" to bring the diverse society together, was today crowned the Curry Capital of Britain for a record fourth year in a row.
After six months of voting and investigation, 13 judges awarded Bradford the title ahead of runners-up Brighton and third-placed Birmingham.
Organiser and founder of the awards Peter Grove said Bradford had improved last year's winning score by nine per cent.
"It is as if they have found the magic formula. Of all the competing cities, they have understood the underlying message of the event to promote cohesion where there was division, and have used curry as a bonding agent to bring different aspects of Bradford society together," Gove was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"As well as curry lovers and restaurateurs, they managed to bring together local businesses."
"They managed to portray the local pride they have in all things Bradford so much so that we will be using their approach as a blueprint for next year."
Restaurants, businesses, the council and Visit Bradford organised an Asian afternoon tea, a poppadom challenge and an National Health Service recipe book of healthy curries.
Aakash, Kipling's, Shimla Spice and Zaara's were the four restaurants representing the city, while butchers Lishman's of Ilkley made a curry sausage and a chicken balti pie, and Keelham Farm Shop created a takeaway meal, the report said.
The Curry Capital of the Year title was first awarded in 2001 and has been won by Bradford in 2004, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Ratings from the Food Standards Authority and comments from Trip Advisor were also used in the judging.
National Curry Week is in its 17th year.