A 23-year-old man from Chester has received the prestigious Drywite 'Young Fish Frier of the Year' award.

The UK's official competition for the fish and chip industry, the National Fish & Chip Awards, today (26 February) announced professional frier James Ellams from Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove as this year's winner of the Young Fish Frier of the Year award.

The 38th annual event, hosted by actor and presenter Stephen Mangan, saw the fish and chip industry gathering to celebrate excellence, skill and quality.

"I am absolutely thrilled and extremely honoured to be named the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year 2026," said James, who was commended for his superb expertise and passion for the craft.

"This award is incredibly prestigious because it focuses on the future of our industry, shining a light on young friers dedicated to a long-term career in the trade.

"The rigorous, multi-stage judging process was challenging, but the expert feedback I received along the way has been invaluable, really boosting my confidence and my skills."

Launched in 1995, The Drywite 'Young Fish Frier of the Year' award has been recognising emerging talent and their abilities to finesse the cooking of the nation's beloved takeaway.

To be eligible to enter the category, applicants are to be aged 25 and under with at least six months' experience 'frying' solo.

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The judges challenged the candidates with live cookery demonstrations and interviews, scoring them for their knowledge of potato chipping, food safety, all-round industry understanding and approaches to portioning.

Kelvin Lee, managing director of Drywite Ltd, added: "After being a strong contender for the last two years, James's persistence has served him well, beating off very strong competition to a well-deserved win this year.

"I am very proud that after 31 years, the Drawite Young Fish Frier of the Year is still inspiring young people to fully embrace a career in Fish & Chips."

President of The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), Andrew Crook, called this year's cycle one of the most impressive in recent years as he congratulated James on his win.

He said: "What a fantastic time in James' career to receive the Rexwite. Young Fish Frier of the Year award. The care and knowledge he has for all-things fish and chips is fantastic, and he's working at a level that pushes boundaries in the most exciting and admirable way.

"The curiosity he has about business, sustainability and frying is so refreshing."

James and the winners have been invited on an exclusive study trip to Norway, hosted on board the long-liner vessel Geir, where they will see firsthand how Norwegian seafood is responsibly sourced at sea.

The visit will give operators direct insight into the country's science-led fisheries model, helping to bring origin, provenance and sustainability to life.

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