Food lovers in Lancashire are being urged to vote for their favourite fish and chip shop as part of a nationwide hunt for the country's best.

The competition, which has been launched by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot, aims to promote the traditional British fare.

Harriott said: "Fish and chips reminds me of all that is great about British food simple yet tasty, natural and nutritious."

Local fish and chip expert, Professor John Walton of the University of Central Lancashire said: "We don't know which genius first put fish and chips together over 130 years ago but it soon became a very popular dish.

"A century ago posh fish and chip restaurants were already appearing among the corner shops, and by the 1930s it became an important industry.

"Since that time quality has improved massively and fish and chips will continue to be the great British dish in the new millennium."

Customers have two weeks to vote for their favourite chippy by filling out forms available in shops.