Fresh and tasty chips have helped Norfolk fryer James Watson win the award for serving the best perfect portion in the east.His East Runton fish and chip shop, near Cromer, received thousands of nominations in the search for the East of England's perfect portion of chips.

Fresh and tasty chips have helped Norfolk fryer James Watson win the award for serving the best perfect portion in the east.

His East Runton fish and chip shop, near Cromer, received thousands of nominations in the search for the East of England's perfect portion of chips.

As National Chip Week starts today, Mr Watson and his wife, Toyah, are able to celebrate their latest success.

'Our customers come from near and far for their perfect portion. And we are delighted. We take great pride in our chips and go to great lengths to guarantee people receive the best portion around.

'I've been open three years in May and before that always worked in catering. If you're enjoying it, that's half the battle.'

He fries Maris Bard potatoes and serves a slightly thinner chip, which is a bit bigger than a French fry. 'The other thing is to cook as much fresh and cook to order,' he said. 'It is a much more enjoyable experience and in any case if I wouldn't eat it, why would I serve it?'

He gets his potatoes through wholesaler Geoff Eastell, of North Walsham. 'In June sometimes the potatoes are in the ground in the morning and in my pans that evening,' he said.

And his fish is supplied by a friend, Ian Roberts, of Little London. 'During the summertime, I get through so much because we're queued up every day.'

Although Mr Watson would prefer to fry in beef dripping, he uses a quality vegetable oil so that vegetarians can enjoy his chips.

And to celebrate his success, he will be serving half-price chips at his shop until next Saturday .

Chip fans from all over the country nominated their perfect portion at www.lovechips.co.uk.