A FERNDOWN fish and chip shop has been voted the best in the business at a national awards ceremony.

Salt and Vinegar in Ringwood Road fought it out for the title of best newcomer at the National Fish and Chip Awards on Thursday, and walked away victorious.

The popular eatery, run by husband and wife team Karen and Brian Milner, was entered into the competition in July last year.

Mrs Milner, who described the competition as “the Oscars of the fish and chip world”, said: “We are all so excited.

“I just can’t believe it. We’re so shocked. We were all absolutely dumbfounded to hear that we’d won – it took us the longest out of anyone to get up and accept the award because we were all screaming at each other.”

Salt and Vinegar was opened just two years ago, and has received strong support.

“We went to a gorgeous ceremony in the Lancaster hosted by Rory Bremner, which was wonderful.

It was the 25th anniversary of the awards, so it was really glamorous.”

Judges visited the fish and chip shop last year, posing as customers to try the food before introducing themselves and completing a full inspection of the premises.