Crispy batter is a positive reason for using bio-packaging, says Settle chippy owner Richard Stanwick.

Richard, who has been battering and chipping at The Shambles fish and chips shop for 20 years, moved over to the bio boxes and trays last year as an environmental alternative to polystyrene.

Now he is to receive a certificate from the Craven branch of the Council to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in recognition of his eco-friendly approach.

“Not only are these boxes and trays better for the environment, they are better for the food too,” said Richard.

“In normal polystyrene boxes the food sweats and by the time you get your fish and chips home the batter is soft. With these bio trays the batter stays crispy.”.

The CPRE has been trying to encourage use of the biodegradable tray and box in the district’s chippies as part of its campaign to reduce litter and landfill.

“Stop the Drop” has had some success, with Westmoreland Fisheries, in Sackville Street, Skipton, being awarded a certificate last year after adopting the bio tray, and Bizzie Lizzies giving customers the option for a small extra cost.

* The CPRE is donating two apple trees to Settle’s Millennium Garden on Sunday in recognition of the green issues the town has embraced.

The trees will produce cooking apples which the community can use.

“We are delighted with the environmentally friendly work Settle has done, such as the hydro plant, Settle Going Green and all the eco-friendly issues the town has got behind,” said Craven CPRE chairman Hilary Fenten.