CHIP shop workers in Greenock are hoping to batter the competition after being nominated for two tasty awards.

Staff at Gianni’s at the West Station are celebrating being put forward for ‘Best Fish and Chips’ and ‘Best Pizza’ at the prestigious Scottish Italian Awards 2016.

The popular Newton Street takeaway was started over a decade ago by adopted Greenockian Gianni Demelas, who arrived in Inverclyde from Sardinia in 1989 at the age of 15.

He worked in Aldo’s restaurant for a spell before going it alone and setting up his own business, which continues to flourish.

Gianni, who runs the chippy with son Gianluca, is delighted to be nominated for two awards and says he is hungry for success.

He told the Telegraph: “I’m hopefully going to win something.

“We do well at pizzas and fish and chips and they are probably our best sellers.

“We deliver all over the place — even down to Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie — so we’re busy all the time.

“But it’s good and we’re pleased to be nominated for the awards.”

Gianni’s is the latest Inverclyde business to be in the running for a Scottish Italian honour.

Nico’s Pizzeria in Gourock and Largs, run by Inverkip entrepreneur Nicholas Canata, is also up for ‘Best Pizza’ as well as the ‘Best Newcomer’ while the Esplanade Cafe in Greenock, owned by Marco and Tania Medinelli, is in with a shout of being crowned ‘Best Gelateria’ for its famous home-made ice cream.

The winners will be announced at a glitzy finale in Glasgow on November 13 but it is up to the public to decide the final five in each category by voting for their favourites online.

Each finalist will then be visited by the judging panel, which includes famous Italian chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli.

Gianni, who is a big supporter of local charities and sports clubs, hopes he has the edge because his food is the real deal.

He said: “It’s authentic pizza.

“A lot of customers have been to Italy and know what a good pizza is like.

“Our stuff is the best — that’s what people tell me anyway.”

The deadline for voting is September 22 at www.scottishitalianawards.co.uk/vote-now/