The humble fish and chip shop, the original takeaway, has seen a massive amount of competition in recent years with burger joints, Chinese, Indian and Italian food outlets making their mark on the high street.

But East Lancashire still boasts some fine chippies where you’ll find a menu uncomplicated by many options other than fish and chips.

We invited readers to let us know about their own particular favourite and here we present five of the most popular.

As with all our ‘five of the best...’ features, this is not meant to be a definitive list, more a selection of the fine establishments out there. If we have not included your favourite, we’d love to hear from you.

Holly Tree Fish and Chips, Blackburn

Former finalist in the National Fish and Chip Awards, Holly Tree Fish and Chips is one of the area’s busiest establishments. Cod, hake, haddock and plaice are all available plus a wide range of pies, chicken and sausages. A speciality is the John Bull, once a staple a chippies across Lancashire but now something of a delicacy. Less than a mile from Ewood Park and blue and white colour scheme hints at the establishment’s loyalties and on match days you’ll find them queueing out of the door.

Eddie Gill’s, Padiham

Something of a local institution, Eddie’s Plaice as it is known is a traditional fish and chip shop which has them queueing out of the door on a Friday night. It’s not often mushy peas are singled out for praise but regulars swear by them. Speedy, friendly service makes the queues move along quickly.

Holt’s Fish and Chips, Nelson

This award-winning establishment, in the past it has been recognised by the National Federation of Fish Friers, is popular with both locals and fish and chip lovers from further afield. It prides itself on using sustainable fish and haddock, hake and plaice are on the menu. A variety of pies and rag pudding are also available and gluten free batter is available on request.

Perfect Plaice, Union Road, Oswaldtwistle

The extensive menu is one of the many reasons the Perfect Plaice has become a Hyndburn favourite. Cod, haddock and plaice are all available and their is a range of puddings and pies from three different local suppliers. If you are feeling adventurous battered haggis and Spam fritters are also available. A children’s menu means that it is very popular with families.

Old Mill Hill Chippy, Blackburn

The owners have more than 20 years experience in the trade - and it shows. Very much at the heart of the community, the Mill Hill chippy offers everything a traditionalist could wish for - fish, chips, pies, peas and even pickled eggs. Plus you’ll find burgers and even freshly-made chilli among the options. Multiple Chip Shop of the Year nominations show how highly this establishment is regarded.