A KIDDERMINSTER fish frier battered much of the competition to win an award at the ‘Oscars’ of the fish and chip industry.

James Houlston, of Our Plaice in Comberton Hill, made it to the final of the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition – part of the 2017 National Fish and Chip Awards organised by Seafish.

The 22-year-old has been a finalist for three years running and this time round was honoured with a third place award at a ceremony in London on January 26.

Caroline Howard, who owns Our Plaice with husband Gregg, said: “We are really pleased.

"This is the best he’s placed – to be third in the UK is quite something.”

James, who also runs Our Plaice in Hagley, had to showcase his skills during a rigorous judging process which included passing exams and interviews conducted by senior industry experts as well as taking part in a skills assessment and interview at the National Federation of Fish Friers Training School in Leeds to win his spot in the final.

He also received a visit from a mystery judge at his workplace to test his skills and knowledge while in his own working environment.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “We have been extremely impressed by the high standard of talent in the young fish frier category this year.

"The marginal difference between who is successful and who misses out gets smaller year-on-year, but James has a wealth of skill and passion, and this was demonstrated in abundance throughout the judging process.”