THE 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 shortlisted and is now awaiting a visit by a mystery judge who will look at areas such as the quality of the fish and chips, customer service and hygiene.

The top shop in Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Dorset will be announced next month, and will then face further in-depth judging to decide the top ten shops in the country in October.

The grand final is on February 1 at the Tower Thistle Hotel, London.