A HORRABRIDGE fish and chip shop has been named as one of the top five chippies in Devon and Cornwall for the second year running.

The Chippie, in Station Road, is on the short list for the best fish and chip shop in the two counties as part of the Seafish National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition, now celebrating its 21st birthday.

A mystery judge will assess the shortlisted shops on product quality, customer service, hygiene, staff training and approaches to sustainable sourcing and the national 19 area winners will be announced in October.

A further round of judging will then determine the top ten shops in Britain, who will progress to the grand final in London in 2009.

This is not the first time the fish and chip shop has been acclaimed — as well as qualifying for the fish and chop shop of the year top five in Devon and Cornwall last year and earning a quality award, it was a winner in the good food guide 2007/2008.

It was also nominated for a customer excellence award 2008 and earlier this year was highly commended for the local community award as a result of its sponsorship of local sports clubs and contributions to charity.

Owner John Andrews and his wife Sandra are 'very, very pleased' to get in the top five again.

'We've been working hard to get in the top five so hopefully we stand a better chance of going further this year,' Mr Andrews said.

'It's our customers who put us there so we are very pleased and grateful to them.'