Chip shop owner in line for council honour

A chip shop owner in Derby who donates food to food banks and homeless people has been put forward for a city council award.

Andreas Symeou, who owns Shelton Lock Fish Bar, has been nominated for a Derby City Council Civic Award, which celebrates people who have made "outstanding contributions to the wellbeing, reputation and life" of people in the city.

As well as his food donations, Derby City Council said Mr Symeou's nomination was to highlight his "support for local projects".

Mr Symeou, who has run the chip shop for 25 years, said: "I'm really humbled and it is nice to get some recognition."

As well as donating items to food banks, the chip shop owner also gives out food vouchers for people to use in supermarkets.

"Being a business is not just about running a business," he told the BBC.

"I think it's very important to be a part of the community as well, even if you give a little bit of your time or give a little bit of help, it's just nice to help people.

Phil Ingall, an independent councillor for Chellaston and Shelton Lock, said he nominated Mr Symeou for the award after he "saved" a Christmas Day charity effort from disaster.

"I called Andreas because I knew we were never going to get all the potatoes peeled for a Christmas Day dinner for the homeless," said Mr Ingall.

"I told him we needed potatoes peeling as quick as possible and without any questions asked, he said 'bring them down to the shop' and that he would do them for us.

"He saved the day and I think we would still be peeling them now without his help."

Mr Ingall said Andreas was an "invaluable" member of the city.

"He is one of those people who always says yes to helping out without even knowing what we are asking them to do," said Mr Ingall.

"He is someone who does things through the kindness of his heart and they are the people that need recognising."

A panel comprising the city mayor and political group leaders will review all nominations with awards presented within the next few weeks.

The 54 year-old said he was "surprised" with his nomination.

"I'm not one for the limelight, even speaking to BBC Radio Derby about it has taken me by surprise," he said.

"I'm really humbled and its nice to get some recognition.

"Anything you can give back is a huge help and it can benefit any small business owner."

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