SNAPS of hundreds of foodies who were caught against a white wash wall behind a chippy are being flaunted to the city.

Owner of Oxford Fish Shop Kazem Hakimi spent the past three years taking photographs of customers while they waited for food at his East Oxford eatery.

The grandfather-of-four, who persuaded more than 400 customers to pose in front of his camera, is celebrating after his collection of prints went on display this week.

Mr Hakimi, who has been behind the shop counter for almost 30 years, told the Oxford Mail: “I’m very interested in people and so many different people live around here - I think they all get along beautifully.

“I don’t look at them as just customers - I wanted to keep an album of friends because people move away or pass away, and I wanted to keep a memory.”

Hedley Swain, of Arts Council England, said: “This is a beautiful example of how art can be unexpected, happening in unusual places and capturing people in their day-to-day lives.

“It is also a joyous example of how art can embrace anyone and everyone. We’re really pleased to be able to support this project through our National Lottery funded Grants for the Arts programme.”

Modern Art Oxford and Arts at the Old Fire Station will host the exhibition ‘Portraits from a Chip Shop’ until July 2.