A LARGS chippy is frying high after picking up a prestigious award at the ‘fish and chip Oscars’.

The Fish Works took home the award for the best quality accreditation, which celebrates the very best of fish and chips.

It was almost a double win for the seafront eatery, who were pipped at the post for the takeaway of the year gong at the National Fish and Chip Awards.

Owner Tiffany Irvin says she was delighted with the double nod, although admitted they were gutted to miss out on the top prize.

She said: “We’re over the moon to be named the best quality in the UK, which is an accolade we are more than happy to carry.

“Obviously we would have loved to come first in the takeaway category, but to come third with over 10,000 chip shops in the running is crazy.

“We are desperate to bring that award back to Scotland at some point and show everyone that we have our fair share of quality chippies up here.

“It is a bit bittersweet, but it makes us even more determined to go again and make sure we go one step better next year.”

The Fish Works team were honoured at a glitzy awards ceremony in London, hosted by comedian Jason Manford.

Tiffany admits she had to be reminded that the seafront chippy is only six years old as it competed against famous establishments that have been open for decades.

She explained: “Speaking to everyone in the industry, I was reminded about how little time we have been going for.

“To be recognised at this level so early into the shop’s existence is incredible, although being an overachiever I wanted that first place.

“The winner of takeaway of the year started in 1997 so they have a wee bit more experience than us.

“It just goes to show that you don’t have to have been in the game forever to reach the top, sometimes newer ideas can serve you well.”

Tiffany has her eyes on the top award as takeaway of the year.

She said: “We will regroup and go again, and we are hopeful we can improve enough to win next year.

“Having spoken to a few of the judges there was very little between first, second and third so it’s all about those fine margins.

“You can always learn new things and improve, so we will have a team meeting to see how we can move forward.

“We would love to get that top spot in the UK not only for ourselves but for Largs and Scotland too.”