Fellow restaurant owners and councillors have paid their tributes to the 'king of curry' Shabir Hussain following his death at 56.

It was announced the Akbar’s restaurant empire founder Mr Hussain had died on Wednesday morning, with the company shutting its restaurants for the remainder of the week as a mark of respect.

Mr Hussain opened his first restaurant in 1995 in Bradford, before expanding across the country and opening in Blackburn in March, with his venues dubbed the 'king of curry' and well known for their bustling atmospheres, tasty dishes and huge hanging naans.

The Blackburn restaurant next to King George’s Hall has brought a new vibrancy to the town centre with its unique styles, décor and food.

The company now employs more than 65 chefs and 300 other workers across its sites.

Accrington businessman Purves Ali knew Mr Hussain for 30 years.

He said: “Shabir was one of the most humble and generous people you would ever meet.

“He would treat everyone the same. It did not matter who you were he was the same with everyone.

“Just seeing how he spoke to customers and people from walks of life was a real inspiration.

“I know it was big move for him to open in Blackburn after having launched in big cities in the past. He believed in the town.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, Councillor Phil Riley, said: “Our town motto is Arte et Labore, ‘by skill and hard work’.

"Shabir was a perfect role model for the entrepreneurial spirit we strive to embody here with his grit, determination, and positivity.”

Deputy leader, Cllr Quesir Mahmood, added: "This is very sad news. We send our heartfelt condolences to Shabir’s family and friends. 

"He was so positive about Blackburn and has left a lasting legacy with the flagship Akbar’s restaurant in our town centre which has quickly become very popular."

The Blackburn restaurant opened in March of this year.When Akbar's opened, it was the latest curry outlet to join what is a thriving sector in the borough, and his fellow restaurateurs have also paid their tributes.

Arif Amin, of the Kebabish Original restaurant in Blackburn, said: “It is a sad loss for everyone.

“Shabir was well liked by people across the industry and when we learned he was not well everyone wished him well.

“I think his success was matched by a deep level of respect for others. It was a beautiful attribute to have.

“We pray for his family and hope they find some comfort at this time from the wonderful legacy he has left others, and give strength to his family and this very difficult time.”

Fellow Bradford-based chain MyLahore launched its Blackburn branch in 2022.

Its chief executive Asghar Ali said: “A good friend and a very good man. Taken away from us too soon. 

“Regardless of his successes, I will always remember him as being very kind and considerate towards all those he met.”

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said Mr Hussain exported the best of Bradford's curry scene throughout the country.

She said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder and chief executive of the Akbar's group.

“A huge loss to his family and the world of business not just in Bradford but across the UK as his brand reached many cities."