A LITTLEMOOR takeaway wrapped up a 'well-deserved' prize at the prestigious British Kebab Awards held on Monday night.

Hidden Gem - so-called for its tucked-away location at the side of Littlemoor Shopping Centre, and also as a play on the name of owner Cem Ciftlik - came away with a runner-up Highly Recommended award in the Best Regional Takeaway category.

Cem attended the glitzy awards ceremony on Monday night with his partner Victoria Hain, and said he was 'very proud' of the recognition.

"It is a pay-off from all our hard work over the last three years," he said, adding that he had felt honoured to be included among the nation's top Turkish eateries.

"It wasn't until we reached [the awards ceremony] that we realised what a big organisation it was. For some of the restaurants there, it was the second or third awards, but for us it was the first time. It was a very fun evening, even though we misplaced our award in the excitement!

"We had a lot of recommendations from people in our community, so we're very proud. And next year, we will be number one!"

Local figures were full of praise for Hidden Gem's success. "I am very proud of the shop and what they've done," said Littlemoor councillor Ann Weaving. "They've really improved the shopping centre and brought in more trade.

"I would like to congratulate them; it's really well deserved," she said, adding that she had always enjoyed the burgers she picked up from the takeaway.

Cllr Kevin Brookes, the mayor of Weymouth & Portland, vouched personally for Hidden Gem's quality and value. "While I don't go there often, I have tried their kebab, and I think they're absolutely deserving [of the award]. It is the best one of the lot."

Cllr Brookes added that the award was 'great news for Littlemoor'. "It's good for the area, and it will raise the profile of local business," he noted.

This year's event was the British Kebab Awards' sixth iteration, with more than 5000 kebab restaurants and takeaways from across the UK competing for recognition in 16 categories.

The ceremony, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel across from the Palace of Westminster, saw awards presented to a winner and two runners-up in each category, chosen by a panel of judges including former Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi, minister Nadham Zahawi and Heart Radio presenter Lucy Horobin.

It was announced during the evening that with recognition of the cuisine ever increasing, next year would see the inaugural British Kebab Week from February 11 to 17.