We're looking for the best chippy in County Durham and we need your help
One of The Northern Echo's most popular reader competitions of last year is returning for 2025.
The Northern Echo's Best Chippy award launches again today and we're looking for help from our readers to find out who takes the crown in Darlington and County Durham.
Last year, we were inundated with voting slips from across the region as fans were desperate to share their love for their favourite takeaway treat.
Highly popular Cockerton Fisheries, on Woodland Road, clinched the title in 2024, with owner Sam Todd saying she was 'delighted' at the news.
The chippy, which has been in Sam's family for more than 30 years, is a staple in Cockerton Village with the restaurant often going 'above and beyond' for their customers.
"It's all down to hard work and looking after our customers. And the staff are amazing. We go out of our way for our customers.
"We have lots of regulars and have a delivery service for elderly people. Since Covid, I have carried on with that. On a Saturday, I have 20 to 30 people that I deliver to and take the food into their house - they just love it.
"It's all about looking after and doing that extra for our customers - as well as having the best fish and chips."
Nominations open today (May 19), with readers encouraged to vote for their favourite online.
Once nominations close, votes will be counted, and a shortlist of the top ten will be released.
We'll then release features on each of the nominees, alongside voting slips where you can vote for your favourite.
Once the votes have been totted up, we'll reveal the winner and a special feature will be published online and in print.
You can submit your nominations here, or find the QR code in the paper.
Nominations close Sunday, May 25.
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