A HEREFORDSHIRE fish and chip shop is celebrating after reaching the top three in national industry awards.

Fiddlers Elbow Fish and Chips in Rosemary Lane, Leintwardine, between Leominster and Ludlow, has been shortlisted in the "Field to Frier" category in the National Fish and Chip Awards.

Run by Dominic Eusden and Linzi Morris, the chippy offers a range of traditional fare alongside catering for dietary intolerances and allergies by taking measures such as using gluten-free batter.

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They are also keen to mitigate their impact on the environment, with all of their takeaway boxes, sauce pots, salad containers, forks and cutlery sets being made of compostable, plastic-free materials.

The pair are also keen to make sure that the traditional British dish is cooked well, and not just fast, with a cluster of awards already to their name.

The winner will be announced at the awards in London next year, with Pier Point Fish and Chips in Torquay and The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum joining Fiddlers Elbow in the top three.

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The Field to Frier category recognises businesses for their excellence in potato knowledge, care and chip preparation and is sponsored by leading potato supplier, Isle of Ely Produce in partnership with Babylon, a new variety of chipping potato from Agrico.

The awards ceremony, hosted by The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), will take place February 28 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

Comedian and presenter, Jason Manford, will present this year's awards and although the guest list is industry-focused, tickets are also open to the general public and discounted accommodation is available with ticket sales.

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Andrew Crook, president at the NFFF, said "This category is to highlight the amount of knowledge, care and attention that goes into turning what many see as the humble potato, into the perfect chip.

"We had many strong entries this year and it's been a difficult job whittling them down to the final three, but the shortlisted nominees are well deserving of this accolade.

"There's so much more to fish and chips than the end-product and it's great to see these businesses going above and beyond to achieve this. Bring on the awards!"