THE Royal Balti House Restaurant in Farnworth has hundreds and hundreds of loyal customers.

In fact, one couple make a regular 80-mile round trip from their Blackpool hotel just to enjoy the food at the Market Street venue.

All of which has led to the Royal Balti House taking the BEN Readers' Restaurant of the Year award -- for the fourth time.

The restaurant was a clear winner of this year's handsome plaque, by over 1,000 votes over the nearest contender.

This latest accolade has proved particularly pleasing for owner Mr Nurul Meah and manager Mr Iqbal Bahar Bhuiyan -- better know to customers by his family name Jewel.

"It is wonderful to win this award again," confessed Mr Meah. "We are very glad that we are getting everything right here, but we owe our success to the Bolton Evening News for putting on this competition -- and to our customers.

"They are really our friends. We make a special note of birthdays, exams passed, family celebrations. We have a drawer full of cards and always remember to send out cards to them each year.

"In fact, we know most of our customers by name, and have seen many of their children grow up and become customers themselves."

And these "friends" certainly have plenty of praise for the Royal Balti House.

Here is just a selection from the votes cast: "Polite efficient service. Generous portions, varied menu and, most importantly, top quality food, better than anything Bolton (or Rusholme) has to offer."

"Service is excellent. Food is wonderful, with a nice atmosphere for both families and couples." "They treat customers with respect, good service at all times and excellent food.""The best curry in the North-west." "Good, friendly service, good meal served in a nice cosy atmosphere."

"Quality of food is second to none. Always the service is prompt and served with great professionalism. I think this is the best by far."

Mr Meah paid special tribute to his head chef, Mr Mohammed Sabur, whose culinary skills have helped earn the awards.

The restaurant is always looking for different ways to please customers, and Jewel makes annual trips back to Bangladesh to find new dishes.

The latest addition to the menu which is already proving popular is Bangla Haddi Biryani -- a dish of special rice and chicken on the bone.

As for the future, after such consistent success with readers' votes, the restaurant is now having a "year out" of the popular annual competition.

"But," warns Jewel, smiling, "we will be trying to win the BEN's own Restaurant of the Year award next year."