Fenland council is backing a drive by the Food Standards Agency to make our national dish healthier.

Chip shops across the Fens are the latest to sign up for healthier tips on chips.

Fenland council is backing a drive by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to make our national dish healthier. Businesses that join can display the Tips on Chips sticker and certificate to show they are following the FSA guidance.

Five chippies are already signed up - The Jolly Fryer, in Wisbech; The Codfather, in Wisbech St Mary; The Little Fryer, in March; Chippy Sue's, in Whittlesey; and Friday Bridge Fish Bar, in Friday Bridge.

All have chaanged the way they produce their chips to reduce the saturated fat and salt content.

These include using thick straight-cut chips, cooking them quickly, shaking and draining them after frying and maintaining the cooking oil in good condition.

Salt dispensers also have fewer holes so customers can add less salt. All this means they will also save money by using considerably less oil and salt and still serve healthy, wholesome chips. They will also offer smaller portions if customersrequest them.

Debra Bodger, FDC's senior environmental health officer, said: 'Chips are one of our most popular takeaway foods, so it's obviously sensible to make them as healthy as possible - and cooking them this way makes them taste better, too.

'That's obviously great for customers and businesses benefit by cutting their costs, so everyone's a winner.'

Other food businesses are being encouraged to sign up. For more information, they should call the council's environmental health team on 01354 654321.