The finalists in the Top Fundraising Shop of the Year Award as part of The National Fish & Chip Awards 2013, sponsored by Seafish, the authority on seafood, have been announced.

Shortlisted shops are:

Finalists will now be invited to the glitzy final award ceremony at the prestigious Lancaster London hotel in London on 24 January 2013, where the overall winner will be crowned. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards, making the event even more special and each award title hotly contested.

The award recognises shops that raised significant funds for fishermen in need as part of the Seafarers UK Fish and Chip Feast event in October 2012.The week-long Fish & Chip Feast event supported by Seafish encouraged fish and chip shops and restaurants across the country to raise money for the welfare of fishermen and other seafarers in need, and their families who have fallen on hard times.

Seafarers UK’s Director General Commodore Barry Bryant said: "We are delighted that fish and chip shops supported Seafarers UK by taking part in the Fish & Chip Feast. Fishing communities often face problems and rely on our charity to help them. Every penny raised will go towards helping fishermen and other seafarers who are struggling in very difficult times.”

Paul Williams, CEO at competition organisers Seafish, commented: "it’s great to see shops taking the time to support initiatives such as the Fish & Chip Feast as they are so important to the fishing industry. It’s comforting for those involved in the fishing industry to know that there is support available to them should they encounter any financial difficulties so the work done by Seafarers really is crucial.

"Simply put, it is encouraging to see businesses that are so closely related willing to help and support each other in this way.”