A FISH and chip shop was presented with an award for excellence yesterday.

The Roundabout Fish Bar, on Yarm Road, Darlington, was granted the Sea Fish Fryers Quality Award for the high standards it reached during an inspection.

Shop owner Malcolm Thompson, 60, said its success was down to his staff.

He said: "My staff are the people who do all the work. This award is for the girls."

The award from the Sea Fish Industry Authority is given to establishments which meet set levels of excellence for fish and chips, helpful staff, hygiene, and good practice in cooking and handling food.

Eleanor Nicholls, Sea Fish quality assurance advisor who inspected the shop, said: "The Roundabout Fish Bar certainly demonstrated very high standards and, of course, great fish and chips".

The mayor, Councillor Doris Jones, and Mrs Nicholls jointly presented the award.