A Cirencester chippy has been named as one of the best in the UK.

Malt and Anchor fish and chip shop has been selected as one of six finalists for the best restaurant award at the 31st annual National Fish and Chip Awards.

It follows on from last year's success when the chippy was named the Best Newcomer at the awards.

The restaurant will now compete against Quayside Restaurant and Fish Bar in Aberdeenshire, Something Else Fishy in Somerset, The Cods Scallops in Nottinghamshire, The Scallop Shell in Somerset and Trenchers Restaurant in North Yorkshire to be named the UK’s best fish and chip restaurant.

To reach this stage, the restaurants have scored well from mystery visits.

All restaurants have been judged on its customer service, the quality of food and maintaining a first class dining environment.

Dan Lafford Malt and Anchor director said: "Having already won best newcomer at the previous year’s awards, as a fledgling business of only two years, we are incredibly proud to have been acknowledged by our peers in the industry as one of the top restaurants, especially given the calibre of the other finalists.

"We are firm believers that freshness is imperative in delivering quality fish and chips and for that reason we champion the phrase, ‘fresh is best’."

Chef Phil Vickery who will host this year’s awards added: "The restaurants and their staff are the torch bearers for the continuation of this important tradition and it’s fantastic to see them being given well-deserved recognition.”

The awards organised by Seafish will take place on Thursday, January 24, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.