The owners of a popular fish and chip shop have decided to branch out with a tasty new offering.

Shap Chippy owners Matt and Ashley Philips are preparing to open the chippy’s pizza ovens for the very first time on March 10.

But the owners have issued caution to fans of the local outlet not to gather en masse on launch day.

They said: “We don’t want hundreds of folks all turning up on launch day, as only so many people will be allowed in at a time to make it safe for team and locals alike.”

Matt Philips thinks now is the right moment for the venture.

He said: “I have big experience in pizza making so had been waiting for the right time and opportunity.

“So, when Covid came along, we decided to start using the restaurant space that was for fish and chips, for pizza making.

“We have always been both a takeaway and restaurant.

“Most people just take out and eat out in the countryside.

“So, with pizza you can eat on the go in your car unlike a Chinese, so it fits the lifestyle.

“We are going to do a big range of flavours for tourists travelling though and locals as well.”