A POPULAR Cumbrian fish and chip shop has made it into a prestigious list the top 20 in the UK.

Shap Chippy has been shortlisted of the National Fish and Chip Awards 2020. It was named second in the north west region and top in Cumbria.

The shop is run by Matt and Ashley Phillips, who took over in July 2018 and have won several awards.

Matt said: "We are so pleased to have made top 20 in our first year competing. It is a real testament to the hard work and commitment from our amazing team who strive to produce consistent high-quality product with outstanding customer service.

"We are up against the best of the best and are proud to represent our nation's favourite dish. We are looking forward to the next stage of the competition and fingers crossed for top 10.

Marcus Coleman, chief executive officer at Seafish, which runs the awards, said: “It’s not easy to break in to the Top 20, so every one of these businesses should be celebrating today.

“Our judges really do scrutinise every aspect of running a fish and chip business, so reaching this stage is a real achievement. If you see your local shop on the list, get down there tonight and show your support. Best of luck to all of them in the next round.”