La Dolce Vita in Lochwinnoch has been shortlisted for the national fish and chip shop of the year competition.

The competition -- organised by Seafish, the authority on seafood – is now in its 22nd year and recognises the quality, value and choice offered by fish and chip shops across the UK.

Previous winners have seen their sales increase by 40 per cent within months of winning the competition.

La Dolce Vita is run by Sergio Pia (30) and his brother Remo (36). The family – originally from Casino near Rome -- has run the business in Lochwinnoch for 35 years and brothers have been at the helm for six.

The crucial stage in the bid to win the title involves a visit from a mystery judge who assesses product quality, customer service, hygiene, staff training and approaches to sustainable sourcing.

Sergio Pia told The Extra: "We had the judge in on Monday.
"She ate the food in her car, then came back and checked the premises. We'll have to wait a month or so to see if we're through to the next round.

"We entered the competition three years ago and got into the top 10 so we're really excited for this year".
And La Dolce Vita has friends in high places.

Sergio added: "We had a lovely handwritten letter of support from Douglas Alexander, who is a regular in the shop with his family.

"I think there is a strong chance we could win because we're unique in that we have a huge selection of things, and we make our own ice cream".

The highest scoring chip shops will be whittled down to 19 area winners next month.

A further round of judging will determine the top 10 who will progress to the grand final in London in January.

The other Scottish hopefuls for the crown are Atlantic Fast Food Ltd in Coatbridge, Palombos in Balloch, The Fish Stop in Bearsden and The Palace in Helensburgh.

NEARLY 276 million chippy meals are sold each year from over 10,500 shops across the UK.

Fish and chips contain 36 per cent less calories than a chicken korma and pilau rice, and 42 per cent less fat than a doner kebab with pita and salad.

Sales figures released by Seafish earlier this year show that the value of sales has risen by 4.5% in the last year with consumers visiting their local fish and chip shops more frequently.