A FISH 'n' chip fanatic is celebrating after winning a year's supply of his favourite fried food.

Alex Vine, 17, of Sandys Road, South Ham, Basingstoke, won the prize after helping the Trawlerman, in Chineham, grab a place among the best chippies in Britain.

The Trawlerman won the regional heat for central and southern England in the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Competition, but just missed out in the final at the end of January.

Customers were asked to fill in surveys as part of the competition, and one lucky punter from each of the regional winners was picked to get 52 free portions of fish and chips.

More than 300 Trawlerman customers entered the draw, and after being fortunate enough to see his name come up, Alex is keen to take full advantage.

He said: "It is one of my favourite meals and I have been having it quite a lot this month.

"I hope I'm going to eat fish and chips a lot this year - I'd better make the win worthwhile."

While some people cover their fish and chips in salt and vinegar, Alex likes to preserve the natural flavour.

"It's good and tasty, nice English food. I like it with a little bit of salt - but apart from that, the plainer the better," he said.

Iain Norrington, owner of the Trawlerman, is looking forward to Alex becoming a regular at the shop over the course of the next year.

He said: "We're happy we were able to win the regional title so one of our customers could win the draw.

"He's been in a few times now and we expect we'll be seeing him quite a few more."

First published: Monday, March 7