MATTHEW Orange battered the opposition as he was a clear winner in our search for Northwich’s best fish and chip shop.

Matthew owns The Codfather in Manchester Road, Lostock Gralam, which romped home in an online ballot of readers.

The Northwich Guardian Facebook page was flooded with comments as we launched our search for residents' favourite town chippy.

We put together a top five based on readers' comments for people to vote on, and more than one in three chose The Codfather, which was voted the town’s best fish and chip shop with 35 per cent of the votes.

The Seafarer in Apple Market Street was second with 26 per cent of the vote, followed by 25 per cent for Lucky Pete’s in Winnington, and seven per cent each for The Jolly Roger Fish Bar in Kingsmead and Ye Olde Chippy in Chester Road.

Matthew, 43, from Warrington, was presented with a framed certificate to recognise his success, and the award comes a few weeks after he marked the eighth anniversary of launching The Codfather.

“I would like to thank everyone who voted for us, and all our customers who have supported us,” said Matthew.

“It means a lot to us to be voted by the people of Northwich as the best in the town.

“We serve traditional fish and chips, and have a core of regular customers, who come from as far at Knutsford, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich.

“We also get a lot of customers because we offer gluten-free fish and chips.”

The Codfather opened in April 2008, and to mark the eighth anniversary of the business Matthew gave away two portions of fish and chips to customers each day during the week of the anniversary.

Working alongside Matthew are Tracy Ashbrook from Rudheath, Stacey Linegar from Northwich, Gill Dennis from Lostock Gralam and Jack Pugh from Greenbank.

Of its 142 reviews on Tripadvisor 126 were excellent and a further 10 were very good, with a recent review stating – ‘a proper chippy – fish and chips just like the old days – good, pleasant customer service and lots to choose from.’