A family is keeping Salford laughing after putting up a giant banner wishing someone called 'Chip Barm' a happy birthday.
The banner, which reads 'Happy 40th Natalie Chip Barm Smith xx', has been placed by the Cromwell Road roundabout today (June 19).
It has amused drivers and passers-by, while it has also caught the attention of people on social media, who have described it as 'hilarious' and 'the most northern birthday banner ever'.
Mum-of-three Natalie, from Salford but now living in Prestwich, says that the nickname has been with her since she was at primary school - but not everyone had been aware of it, until now.
She told the Manchester Evening News : "I grew up on Whit Lane housing estate and Billy’s Chippy on Whit Lane shops sold massive chip barms called 'bin lid barms'.
"We all used to chill out on the old St. George's Church ground to eat our bin lid chip barms and my friend Ste held his up and it totally covered my face.
"He laughed and called me 'Chip Barm' and since that day it just literally stuck. Old school friends will still let on to me by saying 'hi Chip Barm'."
Natalie's loved ones all teamed up to surprise Natalie with the amusing banner.
Her eldest son Jordan Smith and his friend Kyle Leather, both 23, put the banner up with Natalie's partner Adam Allcock - while his mum Pat Allcock supplied the bedsheet and dad Stew Allcock provided the paint.
The banner has been a huge talking point for Natalie's friends and has helped to make her 40th birthday even more memorable.
"My phone's not stopped," Natalie added.
"I feel 40 and famous - never mind fabulous."
