THE CHIPS are down for a Poulton-le-Fylde fish and chip shop as it fries to establish itself as the best in the country.

Seniors will go through to a national final in January against 10 other regional winners from across the UK after beating rivals from across the north west - the cream of Britain's 8,500 chippies.

Seniors owner, Rick Horabin, said: "To be crowned the best in the north west is a dream come true. The staff have worked so hard over the past year and I want to say a huge thank you for their help in getting us this far.

"The battle really commences now as we show the rest of the UK how great our fish and chips are."

Seniors prides itself on stocking the freshest fish and chips as well as providing a wide range of different fish. Mr Horabin and his team are hoping to better their previous best position in the national awards - second place in the 2002 competition.

The Normoss Road chippy serves customers in a restaurant as well as those who prefer to take their chips away.

The competition's project manager, Andy Gray, said: "This has been one the toughest years yet and we've seen some excellent shops.

"Seniors has shown an excellent standard and we were delighted to crown them best in the north west."

A panel of judges will now tour the 10 finalist chippys in January and score the shops on quality of product, customer service, cleanliness and innovation.

The UK champion will be named at an awards ceremony at London's Tower Thistle Hotel on January 29, to be hosted by celebrity chef, James Martin.