A FISH and chip shop has earned its plaice in a national competition.

Less than a year after opening, Lakeside Fish and Chips, at Lifeboat Quay, Poole, made the top three in the south west region of the coveted National Fish and Chip Awards.

This government-backed competition is billed as ‘the ultimate showcase’ for the fish and chip shop takeaway and restaurant industry.

Lakeside narrowly missed out on a place in the finals, finishing third behind two restaurants in Devon – but it was the highest placed chippy in Dorset.

Co-owner Gary Leese, who runs the restaurant with brother Wayne, said: “This was a great achievement.

“We opened just 10 months ago, so we really didn’t expect this so soon.

“We are the best placed fish and chip shop in Dorset in this competition, which is carried out every year to promote the fishing industry.

“The staff here are fantastic, they are all totally dedicated.”

The brothers used to work with their mum and dad at the Lakeside fish and chip shop in Hamworthy.

“We were there from 1987-1995, but when mum and dad sold up, the Lakeside name was lost,” said Gary.

The old Lakeside is now Daniels fish and chip shop, another firm favourite with Hamworthy residents.

Gary said: “So when we started here we decided because it was such a great name and had been established in Poole for so long, why not use it again?”

Lakeside Fish and Chips, which has a takeaway and a bustling restaurant overlooking Holes Bay, sells fish from sustainable stocks.

And the menu includes dishes not normally available at a British chippy, including sea bass and mackerel.

But according to Gary, good old traditional cod and chips is still their number one dish.

He said: “Next year we will be looking to go through to the finals and win the competition.

“Thank you to all of our customers for supporting us over the past 10 months.”