THIS year's Swindon Council masala marathon has drawn to a close and the final winner will be announced later this week,

Over the last three weeks the judging team, including Advertiser reporter Dominic Ponsford, has visited some of the best curry houses in town to decide which one will earn the title Swindon Curry Chef of the Year 2002.

In all, nine restaurants from Swindon put forward their best curry, side dish and rice or bread accompaniment to be judged on appearance, aroma, texture and taste.

The four best will go forward to a live cook-off at Swindon College on Thursday, June 27 to decide which one goes forward to the South West regional final.

The judges also visited restaurants in Purton and Wootton Bassett and the best of that pair will represent North Wiltshire in the competition.

Each of the four judges filled out score-sheets individually and the final results won't be known until their marks are combined with those taken from separate hygiene inspections.

Dominic's personal favourites were Curry Cottage, in Rodbourne, with its traditional Bangladeshi fish, and Gateway to India's unpretentious and authentic fare.

His other top tips for the final are Bhaji's in Greenmeadow and last year's winners, Biplob.