'I made a career from fish and chips'
Georgia Lye, who manages a Surrey chippy, says other young people should consider the same career.
'I made a career from fish and chips'
Georgia Lye (pictured) is nominated for an award
A 23-year-old woman has encouraged young people to think about working in a chip shop as a career choice.
Georgia Lye, who runs Seafare Guilford in Surrey, said many of the younger employees at her chippy "are just here part time and don't really see it being a career".
"I was the same when I was younger," she added, "but the industry really encouraged me.
"Now I'm doing really well from it."
Lye, who began working behind the counter at her father's chip shop when she was 14, said young people could be put off a chip shop career.
"A lot of teachers kind of drill into you that you need to go to university [and] get a degree," she said.
She has now made the semi-final of the Young Fish Frier of the Year category at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2027.
The third-generation chip shop manager said: "It feels great to be recognised for something I feel so passionate about.
"It's great to push you to try and achieve and do better."
Lye took over the fish and chip shop from her father
Lye, who works with her two siblings, said: "Food is our top priority", adding that running the family business could be "challenging".
"It can be very busy at some times... and it's challenging to also manage the staff as well as deliver 10-out-of-10 service constantly," she said.
"But it's all worth it."
She said the secret to a good ship was "definitely fresh ingredients and cooking little and often so food remains fresh".
"I'm still quite young now, but hopefully in the next few years I'll take over the shop and ideally run it with my brother and my sister," she said.
"It's been in my family since 1981."