HE might be a perfect chip off the old block, but Shane Lee is still hoping to give son John a good battering.

But do not worry, there are not likely to be any a-salt charges as a result, because it's all in the name of good-natured competition.

The father and son rivals are already kings of the fish and chip trade in their native Hedge End, but now they are harbouring ambitions of becoming proud owners of the nation's best chippie.

And both are ideally plaice-d, having been named on a regional shortlist of just five takeaways from across Hampshire and Berkshire.

The pair, whose takeaways are just half a mile apart, have already beaten off stiff competition from the rest of the county's chip shops to get this far and are now sweating it out to see who will make the final round.

John, 24, owns The Cod Father on Botley Road, while his dad's shop is J Henry on Upper Northam Road.

"Last year I got further than him," said John.

"He was obviously pleased for me, and his answer was that he taught me everything I know, but he has said he's going to take his revenge this year."

However they will have to wait until the finale in January to see who really is the best.

For the full story see today's Southern Daily Echo.