FISH and chips is in the blood for one York chippy owner who had a taste for the trade from a young age.

James Morrison, proprietor of Frier Tucks on Heworth Road, grew up around his parents' fish and chip shop Audreys in Bridlington, where he started working behind the counter aged eight.

Now James has entered his thriving business in the small business category of the 2004 Evening Press Business Of The Year Awards.

He admits fish and chips weren't always in his master plan and he went away to study physiology at Sunderland University.

But he soon discovered a degree counted for nothing when he found himself working for a specialist steelworks supplier fitting cell doors and gates for HM Prisons.

He took over Frier Tucks and its nine staff last year, and he said he could see the potential in the business from the start.

James said: "I brought with me an abundance of ideas, some of which have already been implemented including an increased value and quality for money.

"We aim to be one of York's most celebrated chippies, a shrine for those who are tired of days of microwave mush and bland burgers."

The shop now opens six days a week, Monday to Saturday, serving a mouth watering super fresh fish and chips with haddock a particular speciality.

Updated: 09:55 Thursday, July 22, 2004