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It's official - the best fish and chips in Manchester can be found right here in your own back yard after Beswick's Tony's Stadium Chippy was named the best in the city.

After being crowned the north and east Manchester champions last week the take-away, in Grey Mare Lane, has gone one better to be crowned Manchester's finest.

Tony's Stadium Chippy went up against 15 other regional winners with each venue being judged by customers on taste, value for money, customer service and cleanliness.

Manager Mark Lee was blown away by the accolade, the shop's first in more than 20 years in business.

He said: "It's unbelievable to get such recognition, especially since it's our customers who have voted for us and made us the winners.

"We've been up and running for 21 years and not won an award such as this so that makes it extra special.

"It will be great for our business, we all work hard and it's just reward for everyone."

The winners were unveiled at a glitzy ceremony at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate. Second place went to Foster's Fish and Chips in Alderley Edge, while Middleton's Langley Friery finished third.

Judges noted the high standard of entries throughout the competition, and Mr Lee said he was flattered to have beaten off competition from the finest fillets Manchester has to offer.

He said: "We never expected to win as there are so many great chippies around but to come out tops is fantastic. Thanks to everyone who voted for us.

"We're just sorry our dad Tony can't be here but someone had to keep frying the chips tonight."

Judges had previously highlighted Tony's Stadium Chippy's hot and perfectly cooked chips as well as the delicious batter and firm fillets of fish.

Hundreds of fish and chip shops across Manchester entered the awards, which were voted for by our readers, before the three most popular from each area were visited by special mystery judges to select the regional winners.