A FISH and chip restaurant in Cirencester is frying high after receiving the National Federation of Fish Friers Fish & Chip Quality Award.

Malt and Anchor only opened eight months ago, with the award coming after achieved an FSA 5 Star Rating earlier this month.

The NFFF award identifies outlets that serve the highest quality fish and chips.

This follows a thorough assessment of the premises, equipment, working practices, hygiene standards and management controls, along with the quality and taste of cooked food.

Dan Lafford, director of the Castle Street restaurant, said: “We are delighted to achieve this prestigious award.

“To be recognised as one of the top fish and chip takeaways by the NFFF indeed an honour and a credit to our hardworking staff who I would like to offer my sincere thanks for their continued hard work and efforts to maintain our excellent reputation.

“The award doesn't just represent the fish and chips we produce, but also the hard work and high quality produce our local suppliers provide us to work with.”

Currently around 225 fish and chip outlets across the country have been recognised with the NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award.