RESIDENTS across the Forest of Dean are being invited to support their favourite local chippy as Matt Bishop launches a new competition to find the best fish and chips in the district.

The contest has been organised to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day, which takes place on Friday, June 5, and aims to recognise the fish and chip shops that play an important role in communities across the Forest.

People are being encouraged to nominate the businesses they believe deserve the title of “Best Fish and Chips in the Forest of Dean 2026”.

The competition will celebrate shops for a range of reasons, including quality food, crispy batter, friendly service, community spirit and support for local employment.

Nominations are now open online and the winning business will be announced on National Fish and Chip Day next month.

Mr Bishop said the competition was designed to shine a spotlight on the independent businesses which continue to serve communities throughout the district every week.

He added that fish and chip shops remain an important part of towns and villages across the Forest, bringing people together regularly while supporting local jobs and providing a familiar community meeting place.

National Fish and Chip Day was created in 2015 by the National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association to celebrate the fish and chip industry across the UK.

The annual event has become a major date in the industry calendar and encourages shops, suppliers and customers to come together to celebrate one of Britain’s most popular dishes.

Organisers say last year’s event reached more than 440 million people through media coverage and social media activity.

Supporters of the day for 2026 include Middleton Foods, Hook and Fish Packaging, Seafood from Norway, Frymax, Blakemans and Drywite.

People can submit nominations through Mr Bishop’s website before the winner is revealed on Friday, June 5.