THEY helped us win a war, we eat more of them in the North than anybody else, they're a must for all visitors to Blackpool.

And now there's an entire week dedicated to them ... CHIPS!

All this week, people up and down the country - including folk in the chip capital of Blackpool - are expected to tuck into their favourite potato special to prove that chips are Britain's number one food!

Four local chippies are joining in the celebrations by giving away chips as part of a national promotion.

They are Bloomfield Chippy, Lytham Road; Graham's fish and chips, Cromwell Road; the Georgian fish and chip shop, Talbot Road; and George's fish and chip chop on St Annes Road.

George's manager, Chris Tuck, said: "The week is valuable in raising awareness of value of chips.

"There are so many different types of food now and chips are an important part of national heritage."

Now in its fourth year, the week is a celebration of all that is good about Britain's favourite dish and organisers have some staggering facts to prove it.

For example, did you know there are 8,000 fish and chip shops in the country serving more than 300 million helpings of fish and chips a year.

That's six portions for every man, woman and child in the country - using more than one million tons of potatoes every year!

Although there is nothing more British than chips, they actually originated in France - and only caught on when they arrived in Britain in 1854.

Fish and chips became popular in the 1850s when it was discovered they were a tasty combination and a vital source of nutrition for the working classes.

They also helped Britain win the First World War, keeping soldiers strong on their suppers of the seaside special and have remained as strong since!

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