The competition gives you, Whitby Gazette readers, the chance to nominate your favourite chippy to be awarded the prestigious title of the top fish and chip shop in the town or surrounding villages.

Church Street’s Mister Chip’s has clinched the award twice including last year’s accolade while Riverside Fisheries, also in Church Street, has been a previous winner.

Now it is your chance to decide who will gain the trophy for 2009.

Fill in the nomination form opposite and the three chippies who gain the most nominations will go forward into the grand final.

At this point, all three establishments will be put through their paces in a taste test by a panel of judges including Whitby Gazette editor Damian Holmes and celebrity chef Ed Baines during the Coastal Flavours of Whitby event at the end of August (see above).

Last year the competition was a great success and judge John Hansell, of the Whitby Catch, said: “The standard was very high, the winner had everything, good quality fish, great batter, and the chips were very good.”

So what are you waiting for?

Nominate your local chippy by filling in the nomination form, saying why – in no more than 50 words – your choice should win, and drop it in to our offices in Bridge Street.

Alternatively post it to: Chip Shop Challenge Competition, The Whitby Gazette, 17-18 Bridge Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4BG.

Or you can email your entry to: editorial@whitbygazette.co.uk

But be quick!

All nomination forms should reach us by Friday 21 August.