A HORRABRIDGE fish and chip shop has been named as the best in the west, catapulting it into the top 21 chippies in England and Scotland.

John and Sandra Andrews, who have been running The Chippie for seven years, are thrilled with the news after going head to head against Daniels Fish and Chips in Weymouth for the regional title. The shop now goes forward to the national competition and the aim of getting into the top ten.

Organised by Seafish, the competition is in its 21st year but this is only the second time that The Chippie has been entered.

Mr Andrews said: 'We went for it last year and got in the top five in Devon and Cornwall but to win the South West title this time is great. It just shows we have got it right in terms of quality and quantity.

'Seafish is very thorough in its inspections — there are 242 criteria checks and its very much about cleanliness and customer service as well. It gives our customers so much confidence because the place is so clean.'

Mr Andrews, who also lives in Horrabridge, said the staff had a 'lovely rapport' with their customers who travelled to the takeaway from as far as Plymouth and Ivybridge to get their fish and chips: 'We would like to say a big thank to them because it was the customers who voted to get us into this competition in the first place.'

The business plays a big community role and back in 2005 provided local sponsorship to the tune of £4,500. Collections are also made for charity.

Among the secrets of this successful business, as well as hard work and determination, is a new batter which is a great hit with customers, according to Mr Andrews: 'We had some advice from Seafish and we changed the batter back in June. The quality is now far superior to what it was and the proof is really in the pudding because the customers are loving it.'

The shop's home-made curries and Mexican specials are also going down well with the customers.