A PRUDHOE fish and chip shop is rolling out Come Dine with Me evenings.

It comes after Balls of Prudhoe battered competition from award-winning Namaste Indian Restaurant & Club Prosecco Lounge in Sunniside and Pigalo’s American, North Shields.

Owner Anne Ball Blakeburn, who took over the popular business from her parents some 50 years ago, and front-of-house Garry Stewart scored 37 out of 40 when they appeared on Come Dine With Me: The Professionals (Newcastle) back in the summer.

The pair served up garlic king prawns, leek pudding, steak and gravy, and Eton Mess to take the £1,000 prize money on the Channel 4 spin-off.

“People come from all over because they’ve seen us on the tv”, said Anne. “It’s been absolutely amazing. The place has been buzzing with it.

“Everyone wants to hear your story and chat about it. Every day somebody comes in and you’ve got to tell the tale.

“It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve done in my life.”

Anne will be making the same menu which saw her take the win for booked events in January and again in February in the business’ tearoom.

She added: “A lot of people are amazed when they come into the restaurant at what it looks like, they don’t expect it. A lot of people also think we just sell fish and chips in there.”

The Front Street restaurant, which Anne runs alongside husband Stevie, also sells curries, salads and lighter bites.

“We’re the longest-running business on Front Street”, said Anne. “And I’m grateful for it.

“We’re very lucky in Prudhoe because people do support you, it’s a very community first place.”

The shop and restaurant has closed for some time over Christmas and New Year to give staff time off.

“We could have booked ten times over”, Anne said. “But all the staff work hard, they deserve it.

“I couldn’t do it without them, it wouldn’t survive.”

During lockdown, Balls remained open for takeaway and delivery. Kind-hearted Anne and Stevie also donated food to key workers at Gateshead’s Asda when the retailer's restaurant was forced to close.