LEE Humphreys is the deputy headteacher at Llanishen High School, but last night he realised a ten-year dream to open his own fish and chip shop when Fish Kitchen 1854 opened its doors.

He said: "I've had the idea of a fish and chip shop for the best part of ten years. It's always been something in the back of my mind, but one day I was driving home from work and saw the sign for the auction, and it all took off from there.

"We've engaged in social media and it's quite a close-knit community in Maesycwmmer, and everyone likes to support their own local businesses. We are proud to be a part of that community.

"We are on the main road here, and there is a lot of local businesses in the area. Maesycwmmer definitely invests in its local businesses and we are proud to be part of that."

Mr Humphreys said that they began renovations in April, and it took six months to get the shop up and running.

He said: "The place was derelict when we bought it.

"We decided to gut the whole building and start again from scratch.

"It's been a really positive journey."

Mr Humphreys said that they thoroughly researched the best fish and chip shops in Wales before designing the new shop.

"We wanted to make it a place that people would enjoy going to," he explained. "We did a lot of research and wanted to take inspiration from the best.

"We took a trip up to the Crispy Cod in Tonyrefail, which was previously voted the best fish and chip shop in Wales, and when you walk in there straight away the levels that they work at, day-in, day-out.

"The support we have had from the fish and chip industry has been outstanding."

Dragons and Wales hooker Elliot Dee was present for the opening of the shop.

Mr Humphreys explained: "I was an ex-player myself. I represented Wales through the levels and played Premiership rugby for the best part of 10 years.

"My best mate, Gavin, is Elliott's agent. He's a local boy, from Newbridge. He's in camp so it was just a flying visit today.

"We are looking to expand our cuisine going forward. We've got really good links with Planet Fitness, and with the Dragons training down Ystrad Mynach, it fits to look towards our goal.

"We've got a griddle, so we are looking to do a 'sin-free supper', where we would have grilled chicken and grilled fish."