A NORTH-EAST fish-and-chip shop is hoping to be named the nation's number one fryer after winning a regional contest.

Beedle's Chippy, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been hailed as the best in Northumberland, Durham and Tyne and Wear by judges in the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition.

The business now competes against the Original Nash's Fish Restaurant in Chapel Allerton, near Leeds, for a place in the overall finals in January.

Owner Peter Beedle, who had two other shops among the runners-up, was presented with a plaque yesterday.

He said: "We have a great relationship with our customers and it's a fantastic achievement for us to have made it this far."

Andy Gray, project manager for the competition, said: "We have seen a very high calibre of entrants this year and it's been a tough decision but Beedle's Chippy really impressed the judges with their friendly customer service and high standard of fish and chips."

Judges will be visiting the competing shops over the next few weeks to assess their cleanliness, customer service and quality. The national finalists will be announced at the end of the month.

The contest is sponsored by trade organisation the Frozen at Sea Filletts Association and is open to more than 8,500 fish-and- chip shops across the UK.