FALMOUTH fish and chip shop Harbour Lights is officially one of the top 10 in the UK - and it's celebrating by giving away free chips to Packet readers.

With more than 10,000 fish and chip shops in the UK, the title for Best Independent Fish & Chip Takeaway is the most sought-after accolades in the industry.

The competition is steep, with some incredible chippies across the UK pulling out all the stops for the top prize.

The shops have nine months of competing, with numerous mystery shoppers, food tasting, team training, marketing, community engagement and sustainability all reviewed. The final stages come down to a presentation to the judges from Seafish UK, the public body which supports the UK's seafood industry and runs the awards, and industry experts in London the day before the awards are announced, where the panel can delve in to more details.

Owner Pete Fraser said: "It’s been a blast being involved in this journey and we are delighted to be in the top ten amongst the very best in the UK.

"We would have loved to bring the trophy home to Falmouth, but we have our eyes on the prize and will continue to do what we can to keep producing the best traditional fish and chips possible.

"The feedback we received from the judges was so positive. The team have so much to be proud of, with special mentions of connections with local fish suppliers, our launching and shouting about International Mushy Pea Day and the Community Hero Awards receiving special recognition."

As part of the prize, general manager Tom Rubensson was invited to Norway with Seafish UK to see where the responsibly sourced MSC fish comes from and how the fish is caught, processed and delivered back to land.

He said: "It was fascinating to see how slick the process is and the attention to detail that starts as the fish is landed.

"It was inspiring being with another nine owners and managers who are as passionate about fish and chips as we are.

"It all starts with the best ingredients and then treating them like gold dust. We buy locally where we can and we think you can taste the difference."

Harbour Lights' sister shop Fraser’s Fish & Chips on the Prom in Penzance secured the title of The Most Sustainable Chippy in the UK.

The prize was presented to the Fraser’s team by celebrity Chef Phil Vickery at the Lancaster Hotel in London.

Pete added: "We're delighted that Krispies in Exmouth won. They are an exceptional fish and chip shop and deserved the prize. But we will be back!"

To grab your free chips pick up a copy of the Falmouth Packet or Helston Packet this week – March 20 – and take the voucher into the shop in Arwenack Street.

You can have a cone completely free or a portion if a purchase is made.