A restaurant owner was celebrated at an inaugural awards evening for his work in the community.

Rafique Choudhury, owner of the Taj Mahal in Bridport, was a winner at the first ever Dorset Ethic Minority Awards at a spectacular ceremony and gala dinner at the Bournemouth International Centre.

The awards recognises businesses and individuals for their commitment and dedication to communities in business.

Rafique was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Rafique arrived in Dorset in 1967 at the age of 26 and opened the doors for the opportunity to develop relationships with communities and like-minded people.

He forged unique friendships and enjoyed mentoring individuals.

In 1983 he successfully opened the Taj Mahal restaurant, with thousands of people passing through the doors as a result of his commitment to unifying ethnic minorities within the Bridport community.

Many have since followed in Rafique's trail and set up businesses for themselves.

Rafique was recognised for being a community champion, entrepreneur, community role model mentor, philanthropist and for his outstanding excellence.

Rafique said: "What an incredible feeling to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I cannot express my gratitude for this honour.

"As much as I appreciate this award and as grateful as I am for it, the greatest reward I've ever been given is the simple opportunity to be in a position to offer my help and support to people who may have needed it over the years.

"Some of the things people have said about me have really touched my heart. Thank you each and every one of you for this honour."

Attendees at the awards spoke favourably about the formal ceremony and the numerous opportunities to network before and afterwards.

Organiser of the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards, Nanzy Sebata-Stone, said: "We are overjoyed and honoured that Rafique is a role model and legend in the community.

"He has worked hard all his life but always had time to help others at the cost of his own dreams."

Last year, Rafique was the recipient of the legendary International Indian Chef of the Year Awards and more recently featured on BBC One's Inside Out documentary on 'T Snook- Hatters and Outfitters' for his love of hats.

For more information on the awards, you can visit dorsetethnicminorityawards.org.uk