BURY'S oldest pizza delivery company is hoping to taste success at the double at a prestigious awards ceremony today.

Pizza Pioneer, which has been trading in Haymarket Street since 1988, is shortlisted in two categories in the Pizza and Pasta Association (PAPA) awards.

The Bury company, owned by Ed Alkaptan and Maurice Doogan, has been shortlisted in the independent pizza delivery store and pizza designer of the year categories.

Last month, Pizza Pioneer came second in the whole of the north of England for its pizzas in a competition held at Tameside College.

Ed said: "We were very pleased to come second for the whole of the north. I made two 12-inch pizzas for the judges which were judged on their taste, presentation and quality."

He went on: "As far as the independent pizza delivery store award is concerned, we are one of three chosen with the other two based in Aberdeen and London.

"We've been in Bury for 18 years and it's been tough. In 1988, there were only 28 takeaways in the borough but now there are more than 120. Competition, especially from the big chains, has been tough.

"But we're hoping we've got many good years to come. We have around 8,000 customers on our database. The reason why we have survived is down to our good service. But what is most important and paramount is food quality. We're very proud of that."

Both Ed and co-owner Maurice will be at London's Lancaster Hotel for tonight's awards ceremony.