WHEN it comes to Britain’s favourite takeaway Raymond Fusco really has things sussed.

At the age of just 20 he has been named as the Young Fish Frier of the Year at the national Fish and Chip Shop of the Year contest.

Raymond, of Royal Fisheries in Whitby, defeated four other contenders to claim the title and was presented with his award at the competition final yesterday at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer.

Raymond grew up in a family of fish friers who have been producing fish and chips since the 1950s in Pickering, North Yorkshire.

Having originally learnt the trade from his father Peter - who died in October 2006 - Raymond now manages the Whitby shop with his mother Carol.

"I was humbled to have been shortlisted but winning this award is like a dream come true," he said after the ceremony.

"Fish and chips and Royal Fisheries have been a part of my life since I was a young boy and I owe the skills I have learnt to my family who have been incredibly supportive."

He added: "The industry now offers great potential for young people looking for a career and this award is a great way of reminding people of that."

The Young Fish Frier of the Year category is run by Drywite Ltd, which provides products to the catering industry, specialising in products for fish frying.

And sales director Briar Wilkinson said: "Every year the standard of entrants is higher as more talented young friers take up careers in the industry.

"Raymond particularly stood out because of his commitment to ensuring the success of Royal Fisheries and his knowledge of the business. I am confident he will go on to great things."