Fish and chip shops are being encouraged to enter a national competition which saw an Oxford shop finish as runner-up last year.

Middleton Foods, a manufacturer of food pre-mixes, is once again hosting its Peter Hill Award after Harrison’s Fish & Chip Co. were runners-up in the competition's first year.

The competition is aimed at those new to the world of fish and chips, with a total of £15,000 in prizes to be won.

The Peter Hill Award was launched in 2023 in memory of Middleton Foods' late CEO, Peter Hill.

Ryan Baker, sales manager at Middleton Foods, said: "We miss Peter enormously, but the fish and chip industry stole Peter’s heart, and Middleton Foods creating The Peter Hill Award is a true legacy to Peter.

"He placed huge importance on raising standards and seeing the trade represented well.

"The Peter Hill Award recognises newcomers to the industry, encourages new talent, promotes quality and excellence and allows us to give something back to the trade."

The awards opened for entries on July 1 and will close on September 30.

Last year's winner was Oliver’s Chippy in Warton, Lancashire.

Oliver’s Chippy owner, Gillian Jervis, said: "Winning the inaugural Peter Hill Award has been, quite simply, phenomenal.

"It’s not just the kudos of being the winner of The Peter Hill Award, but the amazing prize is hugely beneficial to us and our business."