A YORK fish and chip shop has been named as one of the 10 best in the UK.

Drakes Fisheries on Petergate is included on the shortlist, which is part of the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

Maximilian Potts, manager of the restaurant, said: "It was a surprise because we are still a relatively new business in York.

"We sent off an application letter and then at some point over the following few months they sent a mystery shopper to audit and accredit the shop.

"It's fantastic for York to get this recognition. Usually it's the coastal towns that you see on these lists."

This next stage of the competition will whittle down the top 10 to establish the UK top five restaurants that will compete for the top accolade at the 2016 awards ceremony.

Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, said: “I’d like to offer up my congratulations to all of those who made the shortlist and wish them the very best as they prepare for the next stage of the competition."

Drakes Fisheries will now battle it out against the nine other contenders from across the UK from Devon to Fife, all hoping to be named best fish and chip restaurant in the UK in theses independent awards.