A BEWDLEY chip shop has battered competition to gain a spot in a list of the UK’s top takeaways.

Merchants Fish Bar has made it into the list of the 50 Best Fish and Chip Shops 2013.

More than 300 shops entered the contest, which was launched this year.

To make the cut, the Load Street restaurant survived a visit from a mystery customer and was judged on its quality of food, atmosphere and customer service.

Reece Head, competition organiser, said:“It’s a huge honour to announce the 50 Best Fish and Chip Shops of 2013. To make the list, shops had to be near on perfect and, in some cases, they were,with nine shops scoring 100 per cent.

“It’s testament to the hard work,dedication and commitment of the teams behind the range who are driving up standards in our industry and helping fish and chips retain its title as the UK’s number one takeaway.”