Watch as chippy opens early to meet demand as Wearsiders enjoy a Good Fryday in Sunderland

Due to open at midday, the popular eatery had to open at 11.30am as long queues began to form outside the doors.

By midday, the café was full of people enjoying their fish and chips, accompanied by lashings of vinegar and a sprinkling of salt.

Owner Michelle Hall said: “We had to open early as there was loads of people in the queue and we’ve been really busy so far. Today’s a day when everyone wants fish and chips and we cook them the traditional way, in beef dripping.

“We will be packed out until 8pm - it’s always one of our busiest days of the year.”

One of the first people to be served their Good ‘Fryday’ fish and chips was the Shield family who had travelled from Washington and Consett to enjoy their early catch.

John, 48, said: “We come here for fish and chips as many times as we can. They were beautiful, and always taste better by the sea.”

Large queues also formed outside of Michella's, including couple Steven Madley and Joanne Farn and their two children, Bobby and Freddie.

Steven, 42, from Seaham, said: “We’ve been coming here for our fish and chips for the last 15 years and I also used to come here as a kid.”

Joanne, 41, added: “I particularly like the mushy peas.”

Despite having a Royal visit and fish and chips seal of approval from Princess Anne this week, Stu and Amari Smith left their native South Shields and headed to Seaburn.

Stu, 33, said: “Everyone always talks about Colemans, but we always head to Seaburn for the curry sauce - it’s the big selling point.

“It’s part of our Good Friday tradition and they always taste better by the seaside.”

Martin Cruickshanks, from Castletown, was enjoying his fish and chips with son Elliott.

Martin, 47, said: “We always come to the coast on Good Friday as it’s a nice thing to do as a family. My fish and chips are really good. I’d give them a nine out of ten. I don’t like to give a ten as that suggests there’s no room for improvement.”

Elliott, 9, added: “I really liked my fish bites. I’d give them eight out of ten.”

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According to Roman Catholic customs, Christians refrain from eating the flesh of warm-blooded animals on Good Friday in recognition of the day Jesus was crucified - but can eat fish as a replacement.

However, the tradition has now been adopted and enjoyed by atheists and people of all religious faiths.