Frying high

Hodgson's chip shop has been judged, tried and tested and its staff put through their paces - and it has scooped the coveted title of North West chip shop of the year.

Having come close to the title three times before, owners Nigel and Linda Hodgson (pictured) are ecstatic' that their hard work has been recognised.

"We have got down to the last three in the North West three times but never won it," says Nigel.

"This year we invested lots of money on building a preparation area - and, of course, we are learning more and more and getting better all the time.

"Being named as the best in the North West is what we have been aiming for and we are so happy. It is great for the shop, great for the staff and brilliant to be recognised for what we do."

Nigel and Linda are now getting ready to fry high in the national final in January - when the Prospect Street chippy will be one of just nine left in the competition run by Seafish.

Nigel can already call his shop the official Ambassador for the North West', an accolade that follows a string of successes for the chippy which got it's first Seafish quality award in 1998, followed by Nigel being named young fish fryer of the year in 2000.