A CHIPPY which has been serving tasty grub for 36 years has been hailed as one of Bolton's most popular.

The Bolton News asked readers which fish and chip shop was their favourite and Bennetts Lane Chippy, Smithills, got a resounding thumbs up.

We received dozens of suggestions and other popular eateries include Paul's Chippy in Bury Road, Chaes in Tonge Moor Road, Whitesides in Halliwell Road, Reel Fish & Chips, Deane Road, Sou's, Wigan Road, and New Bury Chip Shop, Farnworth.

David and Linda Sumner, both aged 66, have seen generations of families come through the doors of Bennetts Lane Chippy.

Grandfather-of-three Mr Sumner, who lives in Westhoughton, said: "It's been a fish and chip shop since about 1927.

"We have families grow up and their families come in and then they grow up. It makes you feel old."

When asked what makes their fish and chips so popular, the father-of-two added: "It's no secret. It's a matter of giving people quality at the right price too.

"Don't be too greedy and keep your standards up. Keep it simple."

Customer Karl Powell said: "The best chippy by a mile is Bennetts Lane Chippy — fish, chips and peas for £3.60. If you have that for lunch, you won't need any tea."

June Houghton said: "Sou's, Wigan Road in Deane — the best fish and chips ever. Gorgeous cod and haddock, queues always to the door, especially Fridays."

The Bolton News:

Pictured above Christine Pollard and Hazel Roby enjoying a meal at Happy House 

Robbie Grant added: "Paul's chippy, Bury Road. Great food, great staff. His fish and chips give my 94-year-old father so much pleasure and I thank you for that."

Nick Kelly, from Maidstone in Kent, sent in a photograph of his mother Frances (pictured below) who worked in many fish and chip shops in Bolton.

He said: "The photograph has been on my office wall for many years.

The Bolton News: Frances Kelly, who worked in many fish and chip shops in Bolton, pictured in Daubhill

"This particular chippy was on Daubhill in a row of shops on St Helens Road, close to the bottom of Randal Street. It’s the area where we were brought up.

"It was owned by a chap called Ian and was very popular with the locals. This was the last one she worked in before she sadly died in 2005.

"I am sure she must have worked in most chippies in Bolton in her time and would be recognised by many readers."

Our appeal online also prompted people to send in memories of their favourite chippies which have sadly now closed, including Alice's Fish & Chips in Deansgate, Bolton, (pictured below) which shut in summer 2014.

The Bolton News: