A Moray chip shop has battered its competitors to reach the finals of a contest to be crowned one of the best in the UK.
Fochabers Fish Bar could take a top prize in the 2016 National Fish and Chip Awards in London next month.
The takeaway is one of three competing to secure the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) award for quality.
This summer 60 businesses were short-listed for the title, and industry experts anonymously visited each to sample the fare and inspect the premises.
Darren Boothroyd took over the Fochabers eatery two years ago following a 22-year career as an aircraft engineer at RAF Lossiemouth.
Mr Boothroyd, who is originally from Huddersfield in Yorkshire, said: “We are really chuffed about this, it does mean a lot to us.
“The quality award is an indication that I am running this business as I should be, and being recognised like this has always been my ultimate goal.
“But the real reward for us is in keeping our customers happy and making sure they come back to us.”
The venue is up against chip shops in Lincoln and Bradford for the prize.
Mr Boothroyd explained that while tasty suppers were a prerequisite to being nominated, judges examined the businesses as a whole.
He added: “Of course the fish and chips have to be good, but this award takes everything about the shop into account – from its staff to its general appearance.”
The NFFF’s Richard Wardell said: “The standard of the entries received this year was very high and the judges were impressed with the level of dedication displayed.”
The National Fish and Chip Awards will take place at London’s Lancaster Hotel on Wednesday, January 20.