The heat was on in Exeter yesterday to find the home of the city's best balti.

Nine curry chefs lined up at Exeter College in a race against the clock to prepare and serve a curry, side order and a bread or rice dish.

After two hours of toiling, the winner was declared as Abdul Kayum, of Chadni Restaurant.

Atiquer Rahman, a chef from Spice Magic, was narrowly beaten into second place, while Dullal Ahmed, of Pukka Indian, was third.

A spokesman for Exeter City Council, which organised the contest, said it had showcased high standards of good food available in the city.

"Competition was fierce and the quality of food produced by the nine curry chefs was excellent throughout," he said.

"In the end there were just a few points in it but the Chadni was a worthy winner."

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of local judges under the chairmanship of celebrity chef Paul Da-Costa-Greaves.