A SAUCHIE chip shop has scooped an accolade for having ‘Scotland’s Best Fish & Chips’ at the Italian Awards 2014.

The Bridge was crowned winner during the glamorous event, which aims to showcase the very best of Scottish Italian hospitality.

Owner Alberto Jaconelli told the Advertiser he was surprised to have won, but pleased to bring the award back to Clackmannanshire.

The announcement was made in front of over 700 industry guests during a glitzy gala final held at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow, which he attended with his wife Domenica.

He explained: “We went to the awards and on the night we were the first award up, first category up, they put the five finalists up on the big screen.

“When they eventually called our name, it was me and my wife that were there, honestly our jaws just dropped. We were absolutely gob-smacked.

“On the night we dedicated the award to my dad who celebrates 40 years in the trade this month.” The event was presided over by Commonwealth Games host Des Clarke, with Britain’s Got Talent star Edward Reid and leading musical theatre School Gamta providing entertainment.

It was thanks to customer votes that the Main Street-based eaterie made it into the top five, which had led to a mystery visit, taste test and a follow-up chat with the judge for an overview of the business.

The award was presented by sponsors Henry Colbeck, a major supplier to the fish and chip takeaway trade.

They beat off competitors such as last year’s winners, Glasgow-based Merchant Chippy, and Alberto puts their success down to paying attention to detail, reacting to change and keeping the customers at the heart of everything.

Alberto said: “We are ecstatic to be honest, to have won it.

“We are more really chuffed by the fact that it was voted for by customers, who got us into the final five.

“A huge thanks to our customers for taking the time and effort to put us where we are.”