HE may be young but one Hampshire chip shop boss is showing that he really is the Codfather of fish frying.

John Henry Lee has proved to be a chip off the old block by reaching the finals of a national competition to find Britain's best young fryer.

The 24-year-old, who runs The Codfather in Botley Road, Hedge End, has been selected as one of the top five young fryers in Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, and has made it through to the last ten nationwide.

Taking inspiration from his dad, who himself is an award-winning fryer, John now has his sights set firmly on winning the title.

"I think it's pretty good considering how many people enter it from all over the country," he said.

"I go in for the competition each year but this is the best I've ever done.

"I was really happy when I got the call to say I was through to the last stages - and dad is really chuffed for me too.

"This is my last year in the competition so I'm going to give it everything I've got."

John started working with his dad Shane at his chip shop J Henry's in Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, when he was just 11.

Experience In 2005, he took over The Codfather from his dad and has been frying his way to success ever since.

He is now hoping to batter his opponents in the final stages of the competition.

"I have been doing this for 15 years now so I've got the experience needed to win.

"I'm pretty confident that I can do well," he said.

The finalists will be judged on a range of criteria, including quality of food, taste of fish, cleanliness of the shop and friendliness of staff.