CUMBRIA'S award-winning Shap Chippy is set to take to the road to ensure people can continue to enjoy the county's best fish and chips.

The village takeaway and restaurant has expanded its business with a brand-new fish and chip van called Shappy Wheels, which will begin touring local villages across the Eden Valley this week.

Co-owners Matt and Ashley Phillips are delighted to have been able to launch their new venture.

"We know now more than ever we need to come together and support our communities and local businesses.

"We are so proud to be bringing the nation's favourite dish directly into the villages and offer a great meal during these hard times." said Ashley.

Starting in Morland on Tuesday, the van will then visit Hackthrope, Tebay and Clifton the following days between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. On weekends the plans is for the van to eventually attend events around the county.

Customers can pre-order on the Shap Chippy website or download an app on their smartphones. Orders can also be made in person at the van, with social distancing measures in place and a contactless card-only policy. Orders can be picked up, contact free, from the collection table at the back of the van.

Ashley added: "You don’t come into contact with anyone and the wide open space allows the two-metre social distancing requirements when waiting to order or collect, you could even wait in your car."

When designing the van Matt and Ashley knew wanted to keep the environment in mind. Instead of a diesel generator Shappy Wheels is fitted with a state of the art battery system and LED lighting. The van has also been streamlined for aerodynamics to reduce fuel emissions when driving.

Matt said: "Shappy Wheels has been specially designed to enable us to keep the same high-quality fish and chips we produce in the shop but closer to your door than ever before. We look forward to serving you at Shap Chippy and now at Shappy Wheels."

Shap Chippy was recently named the UK's second best chippy in the National Fish and Chip Awards 2020.

For more information visit shapchippy.co.uk/shappy-wheels/.