A Tavistock chip shop has just returned from an educational trip to Norway as part of the National Fish and Chip Awards.

The Tavi Friar, in West Street, and fellow finalists of the Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year award, enjoyed a three-day, all expenses paid trip to Alesund in Norway, hosted by the Norwegian Seafood Council.

The finalists learned how Norway manages its sustainable fisheries in harmony with nature, visited the Norwegian long liner, Atlantic, and witnessed first-hand the entire Frozen At Sea cod fishing process, from catch to processing and filleting.

They then had a guided tour of Sperre, a fishing production plant, and met the Institute of Marine Research to learn about the science behind Norway's fishery management.

John Murphy, managing director at the Tavi Friar, said: 'The whole trip was excellent and very informative, big thanks to the NSC and Seafish for making it all possible.

'We learned a considerable amount about the Norwegian fishing industry and sustainability in general, which will be extremely valuable for our presentation in January ahead of the awards.

'We have managed to forge some great personal and business relationships there and even got some new fish to try out on our menu, so it has been a great experience.'

Jack-Robert Moller, UK director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, said: 'Everyone at the NSC congratulates the finalists of the award for winning their regional title and we were delighted to invite them on this educational, once in a lifetime trip to Norway to learn more about our sustainable fisheries and the journey their fish takes from catch to fryer.'

The finalists are the result of an arduous judging process which included the shops having unannounced visits from industry judges. shops were assessed on a variety of judging criteria, including product quality, food preparation procedures, commitment to customer service, staff training and development, marketing and promotional activity and their approach to sustainable sourcing.