WEYMOUTH'S Fish 'n' Fritz has scooped a silver medal in the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition.

Paul and Julie Hay, who run the Maiden Street eaterie, were South West winners in October.

They were announced as silver medallists after the hard-fought national finals at an awards lunch at London's Caf Royal.

The couple have entered the competition every year since they were regional runners-up in 1999. They have been running the shop for four years, employing 23 staff.

The store has been visited by many stars performing at the nearby Weymouth pavilion including comedians Ronnie Corbett, Bobby Davro and Steve Coogan.

The shop has also been listed as one of television chef Rick Stein's favourite fish and chip shops in his book The Seafood Lover's Guide.

The award was made after months of monitoring and assessment by a panel of judges.

The shop's hygiene level and customer care is assessed, as well as the quality of the food on offer.

Malcolm Large, from competition organiser Seafish, said: "Last year, our fish and chip shops sold more than 262 million meals, proving fish and chips is the country's best-loved dish.

Fish 'n' Fritz represents the very best of our industry, which is continually adapting and innovating to meet the demands of new generation of customers."