Fylde coast farmers' battle to be king of chips

Four farming families are set to fight for the right to wear the crown and cape signifying the 2017 growers of the best chipping potatoes.

The taste test contest will be held from 6.30pm on Wednesday at Owd Nel’s Tavern, Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, Bilsborrow.

Anne Musella from Guy’s said the Big Chip Off, now in its fourth year, was a bit of friendly rivalry which also raised money for the Air Ambulance charity.

She said: “It started with two farmers joking about who grew the best potatoes for chips and whether peaty or sandy soil was best.

“It’s a bit of fun but they do take it seriously and last year some even had their own t-shirts made.

“We are expecting around four hundred people. The event is free with a donation to the air ambulance and we get lots of local farmers and their families coming. We cook the chips and let people vote with the winner announced at the end of the night.”

Last year’s winners were Ian and Alec Jenkinson from Pilling who are up against Clifford and Adam Thompson of St Michaels, Martin Lawrenson of Eagland Hill and Peter Taylor of Preesall.

Ian said: “We are on very peaty soil whereas Peter Taylor has sandy. It’s all about texture, you want a good dry texture for chipping and it can depend also on the growing year. For example this year has been good right up until the past few weeks when it has been too wet to harvest.

“It’s great for a bit of banter and a good get-together and also it is supporting a good cause.”