A Chorley chippy is celebrating after beating 800 competitors to wrap up a national award.

Skippers of Euxton is the overall winner of the 2010 National Perfect Portion Award, voted for by customers who value their chips.

The award which was presented to them by TV personality, Keith Chegwin yesterday.

He visited the Talbot Road shop to present proprietor Andrew Crook with the ultimate chip accolade.

Andrew Crook of Skippers said he was overjoyed to win the award.

“This is a fantastic start to the year but it’s all about my customers who have really got behind me to help Skippers win.

“We take huge pride in our chips and work hard to ensure that we serve the perfect portion every time. "It’s great to have our commitment to quality recognised by the people that really matter, our loyal customers."

Organised by the Potato Council as part of the National Chip Week (February 15-21) celebrations, the Perfect Portion Awards recognise outlets that serve up a perfect portion of chips in ten different UK regions.

Not only did Skippers scoop to North West award, it garnered the most votes in the country.

It was helped by an online Facebook campaign which gathered hundreds of local supporters.

Voting for the award was very close with nearly 800 shops, restaurants and pubs across the country just a few fries away from the top honour.

However when it came to the crunch Skippers was victorious beating Smiths Chippy in South Shields, Tyne and Wear into second place followed by Krispies of Exmouth, Devon to the coveted chip trophy.

More than 15,000 votes were cast in total.

Keith Chegwin, who has presented the awards for the past three years, said: “Well done Andrew and Skippers.

“The debate about chips is endless, whether it be Maris Pipers or King Edwards, beef dripping or vegetable oil.

“The traditional chippy is still a big part of the community and there seems to be little doubt that we here in the North West do the best chips of all.”