The Elite Fish & Chip Company has a another reason to celebrate after being named East Midlands Family Business of the Year at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards 2018.

The Elite, which is also celebrating 30 years in business, was presented with the award during a ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham (Thursday 8thFebruary).

The family-run firm, which has three restaurants and takeaways in Lincoln, Ruskington and Sleaford, is now heading to the national final at the Westminster Park Plaza in London on Thursday 3rdMay.

Elite Director Rachel Tweedale said: "We are really excited to be named Family Business of the Year especially on our 30thanniversary year. Our staff were over the moon when we got back with the award which will take pride of place at our Ruskington restaurant.

"We managed to get to the national final last year for our charity work, but this year we can hopefully go one better and be recognised as the UK’s ‘best of the best’!”

The Elite was founded by David and Freda Tweedale, Rachel’s grandparents, and three generations now have a say in the running of the business.

During 2018, the company hopes to raise more than £30,000 for three chosen charities:RAF Wings Appeal, the RNLI and the Sleaford Dementia Group.

Among the fundraising activities will be a 1940s music night, a quiz and staff getting involved in sponsored walks, treks and more. To mark 30 years in business, the firm is also releasing a limited edition beer, specially brewed by the Lincolnshire Brewing Company.

To find out more about the Elite’s fundraising throughout the year, keep up with their Facebook,Twitter and Instagram feeds or visit www.elitefishandchips.com