A family-run Indian takeaway is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award.

The Ruby, in High Street, Braintree, was named Takeaway of the Year in Tommy Miah's International Indian Chef of the Year Awards (TMIICA) earlier this month.

The awards night is one of the most important in British Indian cuisine, and Tommy Miah MBE, known as the "curry king", is one of the most successful chefs the industry has seen.

A panel of expert judges were called in to taste test the nominated takeaways, and also marked them for customer service during a secret order visit.

Manager Mohim Uddin, 20, said: "It was a very proud moment and a big achievement for us.

"It is nice to see the hard work we are putting in has been recognised.

"We were shortlisted along with six other restaurants and came out on top based on customer service and food.

"We are looking forward to making sure we consistently offer the same level of service and food going forward."

The Ruby reopened under a new name after a full refurbishment in August last year.

Mohim's father Hamid owns the business and works with his brother Fokhor on the food at the takeaway.

Mohim said: "We feel we have established a reputation for doing great food.

"We pride ourselves on being unique and different in terms of what we offer.

"We like to be inventive and part of that is creating different foods for customers to enjoy."

Since reopening, the business has built a large social media following and has branched out into other areas, taking part in Braintree's popular street food market events.

The Ruby is known for offering Indian Kati Rolls - a traditional street food dish originating from the Kolkata region.

Mohim said: "In the future we are planning to deliver further afield and have just added a series of vegan dishes to the menu.

"We want to say a big thank you to our customers for the support they have shown us since we opened.

"This would not have been possible without them."

To celebrate the takeaway's award customers are being offered 20 per cent off orders above £25 until the end of November. 

Visit www.facebook.com/therubybraintree.