A WOMAN who ran her first fish and chip shop in Barnoldswick has gained an Investor in People award.

Jean Ritson now has the award winning Bizzie Lizzies fish and chip shop and restaurant in Skipton

Jean's chippy career began with four years at The Happy Haddock in Barnoldswick, followed by a move across the border to West Yorkshire, where she spent four years at Northcliffe Fisheries in Shipley, plus a further two years at Park Fisheries, Cleckheaton.

Bizzie Lizzies was then established in 1986. A new £250,000 canalside complex was built and opened in 1988 and has since become one of Skipton's most successful businesses, netting a host of major awards and accolades.

Jean was joined in partnership by her sons Mark and Allan Davison..

Bizzie Lizzies has become the first fish and chip shop in North Yorkshire -- and one of only a handful in the whole country -- to qualify for the Investor in People accolade.

It represents another major achievement for Bizzie Lizzies, which was voted UK Fish and Chip Shop of the Year for 1999/2000 and is this year celebrating a double milestone -- its 15th anniversary in the Skipton and partner Jean's 25 years in the industry.