The 32-year-old, from South Shields, runs Spice 1 in South Avenue, Harton, South Shields, which he opened five years ago.

He has worked in the restaurant trade since he was 14 and is an inspiration to his nephew, Abdul Miah, who has nominated him for Entrepreneur of the Year in the Bangla Achievement Awards.

Abdul said: "He is my inspiration, aspiration and motivation. He is my role model.

"Shah is a very successful businessman. He has told me that he started working part-time in his dad's restaurant at the young age of 14.

"He studied business in college after leaving school. He then went on to work in an Indian restaurant to gain practical experience to be able to open his own one day.

"At the age of 19, Shah opened his first restaurant, but, unfortunately, this did not work out.

"A couple of years, he tried again by opening a take-away, unfortunately, this too did not work out.

"But this did not stop him trying again.

"He opened Spice 1 and hasn't looked back since."

Mr Amin, who is married with two children, has since opened Bombay Tandoori in Laygate and a convenience store in Baring Street, both South Shields.

He said: "I am very pleased to be nominated and it would be great to win. It would be a massive honour, and I think I have worked hard enough to deserve it."

The Bangla Achievement Awards, organised by the Gazette and community organisation Bangla Awaz and supported by UCanB, aim to inspire young people in South Tyneside's Bangladeshi community, raise their aspirations and recognise achievement.

There are four categories: Pupil of the Year (under 16), Student of the Year (over 16), Entrepreneur of the Year (under 35) and Community Achievement.

The closing date has now passed for nominations and the award ceremony will be held on Monday, November 3, at South Shields Town Hall.

The UCanB project offers free support to anyone in South Tyneside who wants to turn their ideas or dreams into reality. Ring 428 3383 for details.