'OUT of this world' is how Girl from Mars singers Ash described a plate of fish and chips from a Weymouth shop.

The young rock band who performed at a sell-out gig in the town raved about their meal in the Marlboro restaurant to Radio One DJ Steve Lamacq in an interview, describing the fish and chips as the "best they ever tasted".

Apprentice chef Craig Johnson, 18, who served up cod, chips and mushy peas for the four members of the group in the town centre restaurant said he was 'well pleased.'

"I knew it was them as soon as they walked in the restaurant," Craig said.

"They are a great band and I would've loved to have seen them play, especially that song Girl from Mars. I told the other staff who they were but no one had heard of them."

Marlboro boss Mike Johnson - Craig's uncle - added: "We're delighted with the honour.

"We're always being told how good our chips are. We pride ourselves on buying high-quality products and cooking fish and chips the traditional way.

Ash performed all their hits including Girl From Mars, Oh Yeah and A Life Less Ordinary when they played at Verdis nightclub in Maiden Street, just round the corner from the Marlboro.

The band, who hail from Northern Ireland and are led by 23-year-old Tim Wheeler, arrived in Weymouth in the afternoon and managed to fit in a visit to the Marlboro before heading back to Verdis for sound checks and their Sunday evening performance.

Mike Shultz, who runs Verdis, said the show was a sell-out and members of Ash enjoyed their brief stay in Weymouth.

Ash are not the only celebrities to recommend Wey-mouth's fish and chips - TV chef Rick Stein sings their praises in his latest book, The Seafood Lovers' Guide. Mr Stein visited the award-winning shop in Market Street and later rang to congratulate owners Paul and Julie Hay.

Paul and Julie say they have served up fish and chips to other big names, including Cockney Rebel Steve Harley, Ronnie Corbett, Bobby Davro and Hank Marvin.