Greater Manchester chippies hide salt under counter
Chip shops and cafes across Greater Manchester have begun hiding their salt cellars under the counter as part of a health initiative.
The 'Ask' campaign launched by Greater Manchester Public Health has signed up 50 eateries, which have taken salt off display and replaced it with Ask cards.
The cards ask customers to consider whether they need seasoning and let them know salt is available on request.
Reducing salt intake can help reduce heart disease and stroke risk.
The voluntary campaign, which is the first in the country, hopes to sign up more businesses over the coming months.
Dr Peter Elton, Greater Manchester director of public health for cardiovascular disease, said: "The purpose is not to deprive customers of their desired salt intake but to encourage people to taste their food first rather than adding salt to food out of habit, especially as chefs already season food.
"Eating too much salt can increase blood pressure.
"People with an increased blood pressure are three times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke."
In Greater Manchester more than 6,000 people are affected by strokes each year and about 5,000 people die of coronary heart disease.