It might not be the best way to stay slim, but stopping by the chippy after a few beers could save your life, according to firefighters.

London Fire Brigade has launched a new takeaway map designed to encourage drinkers to pick up a burger, kebab or curry rather than reaching for pans at home after leaving the pub. 

Cooking while drunk is a major cause of house fires, especially during the Christmas party season. 

Last year there were 15 a day in December across London - with 40 per cent caused by cooking - leaving five people dead and more than 50 injured.

LFB wants people to post their favourite Croydon eateries on its Facebook and Twitter pages to build up a map of the most tempting takeaways to lure boozers away from their kitchens. 

London Fire Brigade commissioner Ron Dobson said: "Drunk cooking could lead you to remember this year’s Christmas party for all the wrong reasons.

"If people cook during the festive period under the influence of alcohol they could be putting themselves and the people they love in danger.

"Let us know where the best takeaway in London is and you could be helping to persuade someone from cooking drunk.”

Tweet your favourite takeaway tagged #TakeawayMap or post on the London Fire Brigade's Facebook page for it to be added to the map.