A KIDDERMINSTER fish frier has been named among the best in the country after winning a place in the finals of a national award.

James Houlston of Our Plaice on Comberton Hill has been named as one of the UK’s top 10 young fish friers by the 2017 National Fish and Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

To win his spot in the finals of the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award, he has so far undergone exam questionnaires and interviews conducted by senior industry experts.

Over the coming weeks Mr Houlston, who made the finals last year, must undergo a skills assessment and interview at the National Federation of Fish Friers Training School in Leeds.

Briar Wilkinson, Sales Director at Drywite Ltd, commented: "Once again the standard of this year’s entries has been exceptionally high.

"It is encouraging to see that so many young friers are passionate about safeguarding the future of our industry.

"I’m confident we’re in safe hands after seeing the impeccable talent that is evident across the UK."

Marcus Coleman, Chief Executive at Seafish, added: "The aim of the National Fish and Chip Awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the industry to aspire to, and the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award is no exception.

“Each year this category gets stronger and more competitive - to reach the top 10 in a UK wide competition is a great achievement in itself.

"It confirms our finalists have started their careers on the right track and are well on their way to becoming the UK’s next top friers."

The shortlist will be cut to five finalists that will compete to be crowned the 2017 champion on January 26, 2017, at the annual ceremony in London.