Cumbria’s best fish and chip shop is gearing up for it’s busiest day of the year today as Britain marks National Fish and Chip Day.

Shap Chippy is encouraging people across the county to support their local chippies to celebrate the nation’s favourite dish.

The annual day usually takes place in June but was postponed this year due to lockdown.

Matt and Ashley Phillips, who took over the business in July 2018, are keen to support local businesses and encourage others to do the same.

Matt said: “It’s really going to be a big one this year hopefully. It’s like Christmas for the fish and chip trade.

“It’s the chance to celebrate something quintessentially British. Britain is known for the Royal family and fish and chips.

“It’s going to be exceptionally busy tomorrow. I’d like to encourage everybody to try and support their local fish and chip shop.”

The award-winning business launched Shappy Wheels in June and also sells its own branded Shapple Juice, which is produced by Cumbrian Apple Juice.

The van visits five villages a week and Matt said it has complemented the shop, brining new customers to Shap.

“It’s been so incredibly well-received and it has unlocked a whole different customer,” said Matt. “It’s something we’d always planned to do permanently, it’s not something we’ve just switched on because of coronavirus and it’s something we’re looking to expand in the future.

“We’re very fortunate that business is busier than ever.”

Shap Chippy will be serving takeaways at lunchtime and in the evening today and tomorrow and Shappy Wheels will be at Clifton Village Hall between 5pm and 7.30pm today and at Colby, near Appleby, from 4.30pm to 7pm tomorrow.

Matt added: “We’re excited and a little apprehensive as were concerned how many people will turn up and hope everyone is sensible with social distancing but we’ve got a good system in place. We’re asking people to try and pre-order so it’s safe for everybody."

To mark National Fish and Chip Day Matt and Ashley have launched the Generation Game of Shap Chippy. Customers will be given raffles tickets today and tomorrow to be in with the chance to win from a selection of prizes, which will be announced on Facebook on Sunday.