A Shetland fish and chip shop in the running of being crowned the nations best chippie won't have to wait much longer for the result, as the final ceremony held in London's Lancaster Hotel approaches.

Frankie's in Brae, Shetland, has been shortlisted in the flagship Best Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award, the most hotly contested category, with the overall winner being crowned the best fish and chip business in the UK for 2015.

The awards celebrate the diverse talents and skills of those working in the fish frying trade in the UK and reward those businesses producing the best fish and chips. The ceremony itself will be held on January 20th.

From Cornwall to the Shetland Islands, shortlisted nominees have been announced across a variety of award categories and as the grand final approaches, the race is on to see who will be 2015's fish frying champions.

Paul Williams, CEO of Seafish, said: "The awards recognise the quality, value and choice offered by fish and chip businesses in the fish frying trade. They acknowledge up-and-coming talent in the industry and provide an ideal opportunity for businesses to be recognised for their product excellence, staff training initiatives and community contributions. Many of our past national and regional finalists have gone on to reap considerable increases in trade as a result of winning.

"Our judging panels of industry representatives have had a challenging time determining the final shortlists - the calibre of entries was exceptionally high. The effort the finalists have made is incredible.

"It is satisfying to see so many fish and chip businesses share our determination to help raise the standards of the industry. I wish our finalists the best of luck and look forward to seeing who our 2015 winners are on the day!"