ONCE fish and chips gets into your blood you can't deny its lure.

Take James Morrison, 26, who has just taken over the last remaining Frier Tuck fish and chip shop in the chain once owned by Fran Newdick.

For James, preparing his new venture in Heworth Road, Heworth, York, it was a case of "going native".

His parents own a fish and chip shop. He has two cousins who sought the batter life at fish and chip shops in Scunthorpe and Hull.

But years ago, when his parents, Geoff and Carole Morrison, wanted James and his younger brother, John, to take over Audreys, their venture in Bridlington, James refused. Instead, another cousin, Christopher Parish, from Cambridge, eventually stepped into breach at Audreys. No, not for James the heady world of vinegar and sizzle. The prospect of a physiology degree at Sunderland University beckoned. And he got it.

Somehow, though, the degree counted for nothing when James found himself working for a specialist steelworks supplier, fitting cell doors and massive gates for HM prisons.

"I began to pine for my heritage... I knew my plaice, if you'll pardon the pun," said James.

That is why he bought the last of five Frier Tuck shops sold by Mr Newdick, and assured all nine staff that they would keep their jobs.

"I've upped the size of the fish and revamped the shop front. Customers have stayed loyal. They like it. It pays to do what comes naturally."

Updated: 09:54 Wednesday, December 17, 2003