A HIGH-END chippy in Poole has earned a Fish and Chip Quality Award after scrutiny by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).

Lakeside Fish and Chips on Lifeboat Quay is the only one in Dorset to feature in a list of top quality establishments throughout the UK in a new guide.

The shop and restaurant offers traditional dishes such as cod and chips, mushy peas, pineapple fritters and chip butties.

But it also offers more upmarket dishes including Haddock Benedict, sea bream fillets, lemon sole and salmon steak.

Fish and chips is still celebrated as one of the nation's favourite meals with roughly 382 million meals bought and eaten every year.

All shops listed in the Guide are participants in the NFFF Quality Award scheme. The scheme identifies fish and chip outlets that have undergone a thorough assessment of the premises and equipment, the working practices, hygiene standards and management controls, together with the quality and taste of the fish and chips.

This scheme sets the benchmark for quality within the industry. It signals to the consumer that they can buy with confidence where the logo is displayed, and it will encourage more outlets to raise their standards.

Lakeside manager Wayne Leese said: "There is a rigorous standard check to et the award, way above what is required by the local authority.

"We are always striving for the highest possible standards and fish and chips is what my family have done all their lives.

"We have had this place for nine years and wanted to do something different rather than just a normal chippy."

NFFF President, Andrew Crook said “Next year fish and chips will be celebrating 160 years of being the UK national dish. Fish and chips remain a firm favourite with consumers, be it an easy meal on a Friday to a treat at the seaside.

"Fish and chips are promoted by many independent operators who are continuously improving standards within the industry."

Those who meet the required standard can display a BIG Q quality award sing in the shop window.