A POPULAR community fish and chip shop has been named Chip Shop of the Year.

FishNchickN, Laindon Link, Laindon was crowned the winner in the Echo competition.

The business, which has been running for about 30 years, was voted for by its customers to win the accolade.

June Edhouse, 61, supervisor at the takeaway business thanked all the loyal customers for their incredible support.

She has worked at the business for more than 25 years.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted the customers and public have given us this opportunity.

“We have been here for such a long time and are so proud that the customers have named us as the best.

“It is the result of hard work by the customers who were filling in forms.

“We often get great feedback from our customers.

“We also want to thank the Echo for this wonderful opportunity.”

The business is owned by the Lipscombe family who own other similar business in the area.

The shop has been running since the Seventies.

The takeaway business is set to close soon due to a major revamp project to create a new Laindon Shopping Centre.

Ms Edhouse said: “We will be offering our staff jobs at our other businesses in the area.

“We hope that we have shown that we are a good enough business to be offered a new shop in the new centre.

“We understand change is coming but it isn’t always easy to adjust to.”

Swan Housing Association has moved forward its plans for the £50million Laindon Place development, which is due to include a health centre, 86 houses, 138 flats and a shopping parade.

The winners were up against tough competitors from across south Essex.

There were nine other business who made the final of the competition.

These include Thundersley Plaice, Benfleet, The New Cod on the Block, Leigh, The Codfather, Billericay, and Oldhams, Westcliff on Sea.