It has been the fast food choice of millions since notorious 18th century gambler John Montagu got his butler to bring him a slab of meat in between two slices of bread.

North Norfolk News: Keith and Dianne Walder at Lily’s Sandwich Bar in Cromer. Picture: Stuart AndersonKeith and Dianne Walder at Lily’s Sandwich Bar in Cromer. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

And now a family-run Cromer shop is celebrating taking the invention by the man also known as Lord Sandwich to a different level.

Lily's Sandwich Bar in Hamilton Road was given a perfect hygiene rating of five following a health inspection, its first since a re-branding in March.

Keith Walder, 71, who runs the shop along with his wife Dianne, 69, and son Leon, 39, said: "We're very please with the five-star rating because we were complete novices. There's so many places doing sandwiches so we try to come out with something a bit different - a more high-end range."

Mrs Walder said customers of various ages tended to prefer different types of sandwiches.

Cromer crab sandwiches were a favourite among older customers, while younger people tended to like their meal in pita bread or wraps.

She said: "Youngsters tend to like toasties - they recognise that product.

"The most popular one overall is peri peri chicken in a wrap with a Nando's sauce. We have a couple of main best-sellers and try different things as specials on a weekly basis."

But along with the hits sometimes come misses - such as the shop's venture into vegan food.

Mr Walder said: "We bought a lot of vegan cheese but we ended up throwing it all away."

The takeaway previously focused on milkshakes and was called Shakes, Rattle & Roll, but after they decided to move into sandwiches they re-named it Lily's in honour of Leon's three-year-old daughter.

Mr Walder said another plus point was that he delivered the food - on foot - to customers around town.

He said: "On rainy days, people don't like to go out and get wet.

"They can change things around as well, so people don't feel awkward about asking for a bit of this or a bit of that. We have a saying - 'It's your sandwich, your order'."

Mr Walder is a former police officer with the Met, and Mrs Walder has worked in cafes before, and has qualifications in baking. They moved to Roughton in 2014.