A FISH and chip shop has made the final 60 in the National Fish and Chip Awards – and will find out next month if it makes the next round.

Land and Sea Fish and Chips, in Sowerby, Thirsk, run by Craig Weatherill, has already won seven awards run by Fry Magazine, but he says the Seafish independent chip shop awards is the most prestigious.

He said: "Making the top 60 is already a great achievement, and we will find out over the coming months if we make the final 40, 20 then ten.

"It is all judged through mystery shoppers and we will continue to get them over the next few months. We try to go the extra mile with our service – we always offer a slice of lemon and tartar sauce, make our own mushy peas, and use locally sourced potatoes and sausages.

"We know where our fish comes from – it's the best Icelandic cod and haddock – and have always used the same recipe for our batter mix.

"All of our staff are fantastic, including my daughter Holly, 11, who works with us too."

Mr Weatherill, who used to work in haulage before deciding to open his fish and chip shop, said his love of cooking and having a rapport with customers were his main motivations for the career change.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “Every summer we look forward to starting our search for the UK’s best fish and chip shop and this award showcases the best in the business. There’s a diverse wealth of talent to be seen across the top 60, and we wish them all the best in the next round."