A KILWINNING takeaway is celebrating after winning a national food award.

The Viking Cafe in Almswall Road won Takeaway of the Year South West Scotland.

The Viking cafe has become a firm favourite in Kilwinning after opening five years ago and owner Wael Mansara and the staff were proud to be recognised for their hard work.

He told the Times: “We were the only takeaway in Ayrshire to be in that category which was amazing, so to win it as well is incredible.

“We were so excited, it was a great feeling to be up there with the best after five years of hard work.”

The fifth annual Food Awards Scotland hosted more than 300 guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on Monday, August 20th in a celebration of the Scottish food industry.

The Food Awards Scotland 2018 recognise the success of local professionals and establishments that continue delivering great flavours and experiences to their customers. The winners are chosen by members of the general public.

A spokesperson of the Food Awards Scotland, said: “These awards aimed to thank those that work hard in the Scottish food industry and contribute to making Scotland a great place to visit. It is true that Scotland combines tastes and flavours from all over the world and our visitors can find different restaurants, gastro pubs and bistros.

“These people enhance the country’s reputation nationally and internationally, and we wanted to make sure that the hard work of Scottish food professionals doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It was lovely to be part of this celebration and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their achievements.”