Three fish and chip shops in Norfolk have been shortlisted for the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year awards.

Three fish and chip shops in Norfolk have been shortlisted for the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year awards.

The great British dish is still the most popular takeaway in the country with 276 million fish and chip meals sold each year from over 10,500 shops across the UK. That figure dwarfs the number of meals sold at Chinese, Indian and other takeaways.

The awards are being held for the 22nd year, and one of those shortlisted in Norfolk is Mother Hubbard's in Market Place, Swaffham.

Andrew Martin, 48, has run Mother Hubbard's for nearly 17 years, and said generations of Britons had been brought up on fish and chip meals.

He said: 'It still remains the most popular because it's Britain's favourite takeaway. I was brought up on it and everyone else was too.

'As we've been here so long our customers have stuck with us over the years and we have been able to build the business from there.

'It's great for the business to be shortlisted and it's good for the fish and chip industry. The quality of the product is the main thing that keeps customers coming back. You have to keep the highest standards you can.'

Another shortlisted shop is Seafare at Fishes in Drayton High Road, Hellesdon, near Norwich, which is run by Cavan Elvin, 54, his wife Karen, 50, and their son Adam, 27.

Mr Elvin, who has been in charge of the business for four years, said he was delighted to be shortlisted, and hopes they can win the award.

The other Norfolk shop shortlisted is Albert's Fish Bar in Albert Street, Holt.

Each of the five shortlisted will now be visited by a mystery judge who will assess them on product quality, customer service, hygiene, staff training and approaches to sustainable sourcing.

The highest scoring shops will be whittled down to 19 area winners in October, and the top 10 will contest the final in London in January 2010.

Organised by Seafish, the authority on seafood, the competition recognises the quality, value and choice offered by fish and chip shops across the UK.