TWO chip shop owners have been charged with selling class A drugs from their takeaway.

Thariq Mohammed and his brother, Sajit, are to face trial at Newcastle Magistrates' Court in the New Year, accused of selling magic mushrooms alongside fish suppers.

They appeared before magistrates yesterday and admitted that they sold the mushrooms from The Happy Chip, on Waterloo Street, in Newcastle.

But the brothers, of York Street, Newcastle, denied charges of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.

Their solicitor said the pair denied any wrongdoing and did not think they had broken the law.

Under British law, it is legal to possess and sell magic mushrooms if they are in their natural state.

Selling them only becomes an offence if the mushrooms are prepared, which could include being dried, cooked or even frozen, according to legislation.

Psilocin and psilocybin, the psychoactive constituents of the mushrooms, are considered class A drugs under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.

The effects of the drug can vary, from feelings of euphoria and excitement to mild or strong visual hallucinations.

But the gathering and possession of fresh mushrooms has never been an offence in Britain.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: "Fresh magic mushrooms are legal to possess and supply but as soon as they are prepared in any way they become a Class A drug."