It isn't only Bradford's curry restaurants which today could justifiably claim that "We were robbed!" The whole of the district, too, has been deprived of the kudos that would have come our way from being named as Britain's curry capital in the prestigious annual awards run by the Real Curry Restaurant Guide.

It's well known that Bradford, unofficially at least, is the curry capital of this country. The city is famed for it all around the world. Curry is an important symbol of our multiculturalism and even featured in our bid to be named as Capital of Culture 2008.

Infuriatingly, though, the official honour as curry capital has gone to Glasgow and it seems likely that the Scottish city can thank its success on a blunder by Bradford Council.

It is appalling that no-one at the authority apparently realised the importance of the Council's written submission in support of the curry houses, which counted for 50 per cent of the overall marks. Because the inquiry from the organisers was passed around various departments and reminders went unanswered, Bradford went into the contest seriously handicapped. It is remarkable, in the circumstances, that it was named runner-up.

What went wrong? Councillor Simon Cooke admits that "more could have been done" to support the city's representatives in the competition. Indeed it could. Improving administrative competence would be a good start to ensure that there is no repeat of this fiasco.

Meanwhile the individual restaurants who picked up awards in the competition are to be congratulated and thanked for the distinction they have brought to Bradford.