FISH and chips are a national institution and the hunt is on to find the very best in the south west.

The Portway Fish Bar in Westbury and the Farmhouse Caf in Melksham are just two local shops already entered for the contest by satisfied customers.

Andy Gray, project manager for competition organisers Seafish, said: "This competition is well established and has captured the heart of the nation.

"It's a fantastic way of recognising the hard work of the fish and chip industry."

The competition was launched this week by celebrity chef James Martin, who said there is a lot involved in making the perfect dish.

He said: "Apart from good quality fish and batter it's important to make sure you are using good oil in my opinion beef dripping is the best choice.

"The kind of potatoes you use us also very important Maris Pipers or King Edwards are the best."

Fish and chips is Britain's number one takeaway, with more that 283 million meals sold a year.

Customers can fill in nomination forms in their local chippy. The 15 shops in each region of the UK with the most customer nominations will be visited by mystery judges, who will sample a meal and check out the shops' produce, hygiene and customer service skills.