A RAMSBOTTOM chippie is to 'batter it out' with fish and chip shops across the country in a national competition.

And local residents can help Our Plaice in Bolton Street wrap up the National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year title by voting for them.

Members of the public can complete a questionnaire in the shop, giving marks out of ten on cleanliness, friendliness, presentation and taste. One lucky voter will also win free fish and chips for a year.

Our Plaice was set up two years ago by Dave Carroll and his partner Sandi Brown.

Sandi said: "This is the second time we have entered the national competition, although last year was a bit of a shambles as we got the wrong deadline for the votes to be entered.

"This time we are asking our customers to complete the forms while they are in the shop so we can register their views on time."

The deadline for votes is June 18 and the winner of the 18th National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year 2005 will be announced later in the year.