Fishmongers from the Covered Market, Oxford, are celebrating after they won several top awards in a national competition.

Eight staff from Haymans Fisheries took part in the British Fish Craft Championship in London — and reeled in the prizes.

General manager Ray Lindsey, 38, is tempted to fish for compliments after becoming national champion in the collage section.

He won first prize — beating 25 fishmongers from across the country — after judges were hooked on his colourful display, featuring lemon sole, plaice and conger eel.

Staff visited the contest at Hays Galleria, near London Bridge, last year to see how tough the competition was and decided to enter a number of categories this year.

Mr Lindsey, who has been general manager of Haymans for the past decade, said: "I'm delighted to win the collage section. We get compliments from our customers all the time on our displays, so I thought we would have a good chance.

"I used a good variety of fish to create a punchy and saleable display in ten minutes, which is the time allowed.

"We are always getting remarks about our displays and there's no doubt that an impressive display can sell lots of fish.

"This is a big boost for us at a time when the economy is not doing too well, and I'm delighted for the other staff who also picked up some awards."

Fishmonger Matt Lach, 28, originally from Poland, came fourth in the collage section and shop manager Nigel Jones, 42, came second in portion control, which involves cutting a consistent-sized portion within five grammes.

The shop's Stephen Lancaster came fourth in the competition's national poultry championship, and winners received diplomas and prize money of up to £100.

Mr Lindsey said: "We're pleased to win the prizes but it's the industry recognition we are more concerned about and we will be letting our customers know all about it."

Mr Lindsey added the shop faced a 40 per cent rent increase earlier this year following a rent row with the city council, involving all Covered Market traders. The dispute was settled by arbitration.

Richard Alden, chairman of the Covered Market Traders' Association, said: "This is fantastic news for Haymans.

"The staff are always at the forefront of getting people interested in their products and deserve all the praise they get."

The business was opened by Charles Hayman in 1928 who continued to work until his retirement in the late 1960s.

It was then bought by a consortium of tradesmen who owned it until 1983.

In 1995, fishmonger Ray Lindsey joined the business and the board decided to develop the shop to try and get people talking about fish again.

Haymans plan to open a Billingsgate-style fish cash-and-carry on the outskirts of Oxford in the coming year.

Haymans buys from Brixham in Devon and the Cornish ports.