Chip shops in Oxfordshire are stocking up on salt and vinegar in preparation for National Chip Week - the annual celebration of the nation's favourite food.

The Oxford Mail is also joining in the fun this week by offering readers a free bag of chips, chunky or skinny, splashed with vinegar or dunked in ketchup, at various chip shops throughout the county.

Tomorrow you can get free chips at two outlets in Bicester. And on Tuesday you can pick them up in Witney, Botley and Wantage.

Television presenter and self-styled chip connoisseur, Keith Chegwin, is fronting the British Potato Council's campaign.

He said: "It's time to stand up and show your love for the nation's tastiest dish - skinny, chunky, curly - I love them all."

Chip shops in Oxford have stocked up with extra potatoes in readiness for a rush on the ideal companion to fish, burgers, chicken and kebabs.

Kesh Gill, 29, whose family owns the Mediterranean Fish Bar in Abingdon Road, Oxford, said his customers got through a tonne of potatoes in chips every week.

Mr Gill said: "It's such a British food. Chips are beautiful. We sell hundreds of portions every week."

Customer Lee Clarke, from Oxford, added: "I have chips about three or four times a week. It's quick and easy food.

"I'm all for National Chip Week. We have a 'week' for everything else, so why not chips."

The British Potato Council claims a portion of chips contains 20 per cent less fat than a 12-inch cheese and tomato pizza, while a cheese and pickle sandwich contains twice as much fat.

To find out more about National Chip Week visit www.lovechips.co.uk