Staff at Feccis Fish and Chip shop in Tenby were celebrating this week after coming runners-up in the Welsh regional final of the SeaFish Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition.

Although slightly disappointed to lose out on the Welsh title to Allsports Fish and Chip Shop in Pwllheli, staff were still overwhelmed at finding that they are considered one of the top 16 chippies in the United Kingdom.

Now in its 14th year, the national competition assessed over 8,000 fish and chip shops the length and breadth of the British Isles, not only on the quality of their fish and chips, but also on how stock is handled, hygiene controls and even the cleanliness of uniforms and the friendliness of the staff.

"We look at literally everything that goes to help make the customer's experience an enjoyable one," explained competition organiser Malcolm Large, from Seafish. "Each year we're noticing that the fish and chip shops themselves are raising the standards of food and service, which is good for the industry, but makes our job even harder.

"These shops are the creme de la creme of the nation's fish and chip shops."

"This award marks the culmination of 18 months of concerted effort for us," Mr. Delmon Fecci told the Observer this week.

"Not only are staff studying for NVQ levels two and three at Pembrokeshire College, but all have also undertaken the Seafish Authority's own in-house hygiene courses for all food handlers and our continued programme of improvement has been rewarded with this prestigious award.

"It was a disappointment to be pipped at the post and we will endeavour to better next year!"

The Seafish award was not the only cause for celebration, with news that Ben Fecci had been shortlisted in the national finals of the Dry White Young Fish Fryer of the Year competition.

"To celebrate all our success, we are offering our customers a chance to sample our award winning fish coated in crispy batter made to the family's original recipe," continued Delmon. "With every purchase, customers will be given a free raffle ticket to enter our celebration prize draw.

"We would like to thank all our dedicated staff and loyal customers for their support and hope they continue to support us in achieving our ultimate goal, National Fish and Chip Shop of the Year."

While they were delighted with their success, Feccis were also saddened about the news that one of the town's other fish and chip shops, Roy's Fish and Chip Bar, had been forced to close.

"Although we were in the same business, we never looked on Mr. Roy Edge as a rival, but as a friend and colleague," said Delmon.

"We thank him for all the work he has done for the town of Tenby, not only as a businessman, but also during his time as a town councillor and mayor.

"We wish him better times and health in the future."