Platten's Fish & Chip shop in Wells with their award for being a finalist in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2013. From left, Owner Phil Platten with Manager Luke Platten, Chef Galton Blackiston and NFFF's Mark Drummond hands over the award. Picture: Matthew Usher.

Celebrity chef Galton Blackiston joined the celebrations yesterday when a Wells fish and chip shop was congratulated for finishing runner-up in a national awards scheme.

Platten’s Fish and Chips was joint runner-up in the newly-created Quality Award section of the National Fish and Chip Shop Awards.

Mark Drummond, vice-president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, which ran the awards, presented Platten’s owner Phil Platten and manager Luke Platten with a certificate.

Mr Blackiston attended to offer his congratulations. He said: “I’ve been to Platten’s many times. My son once came here and asked for sea bass and chips! Fish and chip shops play a huge part in this community in bringing in holidaymakers.

“Most people from Norwich and elsewhere visit Wells for the fish and chips which are immensely popular and serve a great purpose here.”

Phil Platten said: “These awards are about raising standards across the industry and we are delighted to have been recognised.”