Staff at a fish and chip shop in Marlow are calling on loyal customers to keep them frying high as the best in the county.

Gav Singh and the team at Marlow Bottom Fish Bar were given the title of ‘Best Chippy Chips’ for Buckinghamshire thanks to a public vote as part of National Chip Week last February.

And with voting now open for this year’s competition, Gav is hoping they can make a stand for independent outlets and keep the prestigious prize in Marlow.

He said: “It was a huge deal and we put Marlow on the map, it now has an award winning chip shop.

“We were up against large chains with whole marketing departments and much larger footfall.

“But we’ve got fantastic customers, we’re like a hub for the community really, people come here on Friday nights and just meet for a chat in the queue.”

More than 1.6 million tonnes of potatoes grown each year in the UK are made into chips, with over 382m portions of fish and chips sold each year.

But despite the takeaway being synonymous with British culture, Gav claims the nation’s favourite food is facing an uncertain future alongside the wealth of cheap takeaways in towns and cities.

He said: “We are a small independent punching out weight against the big boys and I was so chuffed we won it last year.

“It’s difficult [for fish and chips] at the moment. We’re all losing ground to fast food places these days, plus we’re off the beaten track.

“But fish and chips are still much more of a balanced meal than most of these fast food places.”

The Choice Chip Awards are organised by the Potato Council, the voice of the potato industry, paid for via a levy on growers and producers.

Caroline Evans at the Potato Council, said: “Britain is truly a nation of chip lovers and Chip Week is a fantastic celebration of our great food tradition.

“The British public feels very strongly about their local chippy and are prepared to take the trouble to vote to put their favourite on the map.”

National Chip Week takes place from February 16 to 22.