NOT one but two Redditch chippies are in the running to be named the Midlands’ top fish and chip shop.

Following initial judging, The Golden Carp Chippy in Matchborough and Winyates Chippy have been shortlisted for the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award – one of 15 categories in the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards.

The awards, organised by Seafish, are widely recognised as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry.

Both shops had their frying skills put to the test as well as being judged against vigorous criteria, including menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, staff training processes, and marketing techniques.

They will now compete to become the number one fish and chip shop in the UK.

Marcus Coleman, from Seafish, said: “This award showcases the best of the best, the local fish and chip shops that we all love to eat from.

"The calibre of shops in this year’s top 60 is outstanding – they are a true representation of our industry and sum up perfectly why British fish and chips are, and will always be, the best in the world.

"With 60 shortlisted shops to choose from, why not take a trip to your nearest contender and see how you rate it?”

Over the coming weeks the shops will be whittled down before the final stage of judging in London in January 2018.

For more information or to view the full shortlist, visit fishandchipawards.com.