JASON Wales from Scrap Box chippy and restaurant in Dunnington has been named as one of the UK’s top 10 young fish friers as part of the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish.

Shortlisted for the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award, he will batter it out against nine other contenders with hopes of being crowned the UK’s best.

Jason, 22, says his success is down to sheer passion for serving up fish and chips to customers.

“I love to put a smile on their faces,” he said. “I always wanted to be involved in catering and I’ve been frying since I was 16. I just love it.

“I’ve now got six years of experience and am always willing to learn.”

To get to this stage, Jason has faced a rigorous judging process, undergoing exam questionnaires and in-depth telephone interviews conducted by senior industry experts.

Over the coming weeks, the 10 semi-finalists will be subjected to further appraisal as they receive a skills based assessment - which includes chipping potatoes, making batter, frying fish - and undergo a personal interview during a comprehensive judging day at the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) Training School in Leeds

This stage of judging will whittle down the shortlist to five finalists.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive at Seafish, said: “For the last 30 years, The National Fish & Chip Awards have showcased the very best of what the UK fish and chip industry has to offer, and the 2018 Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award semi-finalists certainly do not disappoint.

“Reaching the top 10 in a UK-wide competition is no mean feat - they should be extremely proud of themselves for making it this far. I wish them the best of luck in the next stage of the competition and take great comfort that our industry is going to be handed down to such talented and passionate individuals.”

The winner of the award will be announced on January 25.