FIRST-time fish and chip shop owners who have focused on bringing a traditional chippy experience have been named as finalists in the National Fish and Chip Awards.

Peter and Tina Collins, from Darlington, opened Frydayz Fish Bar in Hildyard Row, Catterick Garrison, in March after deciding to set up a fish shop in order to spend more time together.

Mr Collins said after working offshore for many years, he and wife Tina were inspired to open a fish and chip shop in Cornwall, even finding a premises and planning a move.

He said: “Just before we bought it the shop burnt down. It obviously wasn’t meant to be so we went back to the search, which we were concentrating in coastal areas.”

But during the search the premises in Catterick Garrison popped up – it needed some work but the couple were up for a challenge.

Mr Collins said: “We went on a course by the National Federation of Fish Fryers and learned a lot. We make our own mushy peas, which apparently is done less and less, so we are proud of that.

“We use fish from sustainable supplies, and also do spam fritters which have proved to be very popular.

“We also got some special Irish curry sauce for St Patrick’s Day, which has a slightly fruity flavour, but it was also popular we have continued to stock it.”

Mr and Mrs Collins entered the Best Newcomer category of the awards, organised by Seafish, and the shop was announced as a top ten finalist after a secret shopper visit.

Judges will visit the shop over the next month and the final three will go to the grand final in London.