A MALVERN fish-and-chip man has been frying high after being named one of the top ten in the UK in a national award scheme.

Blair Butler, of Bluebell Close, has had his chip van Butler’s Fish and Chips announced as one of the ten best mobile fish and chip units in the awards run by Fry Magazine, the trade journal.

The competition centres around mystery visits in which every outlet is judged on key aspects such as quality of food, and customer service, and Mr Butler scored 94 per cent.

Mr Butler plies his trade during the week with regular stops in villages to the west of the Malvern Hills, including Colwall, Cradley and Bosbury.

His van is also available at weekends to be hired for weddings, village shows and fetes, and other functions.

Mr Butler, who has been in the industry for 43 years, operating in locations as diverse as Northamptonshire and Surrey, has been operating in this area for ten years.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have won the award. I’ve been in the industry for years, and I’ve always had high standards. If you want to succeed, people have to trust you to sell high-quality food all the time.

“Fish and chips is always a favourite meal. Everyone likes their fish and chips and there will always be a demand to it.”

Reece Head, of Fry Magazine, said: “This year’s results were the tightest they’ve ever been showing that standards in the fish and chip industry are increasing all the time.

“These operators have proved that they are at the top of their game, subjecting their premises, staff and food to a thorough inspection and coming out with near-on perfect results.

“We would like to congratulate each and every one and wish them a successful year as they enjoy their status as one of the best fish and chip operators in the UK.”