BROMSGROVE MP Sajid Javid lent a hand at an award-winning Hagley fish and chip shop when he stopped off to congratulate staff on their latest achievement.

Mr Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, called in to Our Plaice in Worcester Road on March 24 to present young fish frier James Houlston with an award after the 22-year-old made the finals of the Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year competition.

James, from Hagley, who runs Our Plaice in both Hagley and Kidderminster, was honoured with a third place award at a ceremony in London in January as part of the 2017 National Fish and Chip Awards, organised by Seafish, after making it to the finals three years in a row.

To congratulate him on the accolade – Hagley’s MP Mr Javid stopped off at the Hagley shop to present him with a certificate.

Caroline Howard, who owns Our Plaice with husband Gregg, said the Conservative MP was “very interested in how to make the perfect fish and chips” and she added: “We were delighted that Mr Javid was able to take time out of his busy schedule to visit Our Plaice and congratulate James, even giving James a hand with the chips.”