OUT of the Blue fish and chip shop in Taunton has been chosen as the best in the area in the 2005 National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition.

The shop was one of ten short listed and is now awaiting a visit by a mystery judge.

They will look at areas such as the quality of the fish and chips, customer service and hygiene, with the top shop in Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Dorset to be announced next month.

The grand finale will be held at the Tower Thistle Hotel in London on February 1.