THE Northern Echo has now launched its Best Chippy 2024 competition - and your favourite chippy needs your support!

Every day we will be featuring one of our top ten, and today's is Mike's Fish Bar, in 5 Greenwell Road, Newton Aycliffe.

Julie Kilding, daughter of the shop's namesake Mike, said fish and chips ran in her family's blood.

Read more: The Northern Echo Best Chippy nominee: Middleton-in-Teesdale Fish Shop

She said: "Mike is my dad, and he started the business 42 years ago. He retired about four years ago now, and my sister and I took over from him to carry on the family business.

"I have worked here since I was 14 - but in 2000 I had my son and then came to work here full time. It's definitely in my blood. I was six when my parents took it on and I remember I helped my dad in the front of the shop.

"I've had other jobs when I was younger but I kept coming back. I just love it."

Julie said the shop had seen the same customers come through the doors for many years, with some who came in with their parents as children now coming in with children of their own.

She said: "We prepare everything ourselves, from the potatoes to the homemade fish cakes. We use the best quality of everything we can.

"It really is a team effort. My brother in law is the manager, and dad still comes down to see how we are getting on.

"But it's our customers that really make the job special. We have amazing customers - we want to thank them for nominating us!"

To vote for Mike's Fish Bar, pick up a copy of The Northern Echo for a voting slip.

Mike's Fish Bar

Contact: 01325-316812

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11am to 9pm; Saturday: 11am to 7pm; Sunday closed