GLASGOW'S curry kings will battle it out in a bid to be crowned the best in Scotland.

More than 9000 nominations flooded in from across the country for this year's Scottish Curry Awards.

And now the race to be recognised at the event, which takes place at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow on April 28, is on.

Among the hotly-tipped nominations are Glasgow's Akbars and Killermont Polo Club, which are both up for Team of the Year.

Purwaiz Mohammed, of Heera, in Charing Cross, is up for Chef of the Year, while the city's Rice 'n' Spicy, Indian Cottage and Balbirs are in the Healthy Curry Provider category.

The Best of Glasgow category includes Mr Singhs, Charcoals, Masala Twist, Cafe India in Merchant City and Rasoi Indian Restaurant and Deli.

Meanwhile, the Curry King or Queen Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Judges will now visit all the shortlisted restaurants and takeaways who are battling it out to be a winner at the seventh awards.

The event will also raise funds for The Well Foundation.

Yasmin Mahmood, operations director for event organisers Oceanic Consulting said: "The awards have grown from strength to strength every year, as we see an increase of nominations for those hidden gems as well as the more well known curry houses.

"All the finalists are truly deserving."