SOME like it hot... and the Lansdowne Arms at Derry Hill will be finding out how hot as it launches its third curry competition this year.

The pub is looking for people to enter their best curry creations in the free competition and the winner will see their curry dish on the menu for a year.

They will also win a candlelit, three-course dinner for two plus a bottle of wine.

The judging will take place on June 1 at 9pm in the pub and application forms, available from the pub, must be completed with details of the curry before May 29.

Landlady Karin Chester said they started the competition to increase customer participation in the menus. "It is just an idea to get people involved with their local," she said.

"Pubs are about community and involvement. The Lansdowne Arms is not a chain but an individual pub."

Ms Chester said the competition has attracted interesting and tempting curry treats over the last two years with a curry named Tropical Heat last year's winner.

She said potential winners would have to carefully consider the way the flavours of their curry interact. "Last year's winner was a very robust curry with lots and lots of different spices," she said.

The secret to a good curry is the marriage of flavours.

"One flavour can be over built and can take over," added Ms Chester.