Racial bigots have been blamed for trying to drive out the first Asian take-away in a Dales village.

But 24-year-old Raj Ali and his partner Abdul Motin, 24, both of Keighley, have vowed not to be defeated.

"This will not stop us. It has made us more determined to go ahead," pledged Mr Ali.

Villagers in Cononley have spoken of their shame at the two attacks over the past two weekends on the new Balti Hut in Main Street.

Racist yobs have smashed windows, daubed the front stonework in black and grey paint, poured glue in the lock and splashed paint stripper on the sign.

And they have even turned their hatred on pub landlord Roland Hall, who runs the nearby New Inn, by painting his Rover car the words "NF Paki Hater." Mr Ali said: "We can't understand why it has happened because everyone has been so friendly and helpful.

"We have been planning this for three months, so why should this attack happen now?

"A lot of people have come up to us and said how ashamed they are it has happened here."

He said they had spent thousands of pounds getting the shop right, especially in fitting proper filters and they were hoping to open in two weeks.

Landlord Mr Hall said: "Whoever's done this are mindless idiots. It looks as if they are trying to set me up ,but it is just ridiculous.

"Why would I want to do anything like that? We are completely different businesses."

Mary Peet, the wife of Cononley vicar John Peet, said the village was outraged. "People have support and sympathy for Mr Ali. Most people welcome his business."

Skipton police are investigating.

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