SO FAR this year people across the country have “celebrated” things as diverse as chips, rabbits and postcards with their own “weeks” and, for the next seven days, it is the turn of the humble sandwich.

Although the “national weeks” began as a means of promoting charities and worthy causes, it now seems every seven days has to be dedicated to something different, most often with a sponsor’s name attached.

The sandwich industry around the UK will be promoting all things that can be slapped between two pieces of bread during British Sandwich Week.

Sponsored by smoothie-makers Innocent, the week will see makers offer their own specialities while the British Sandwich Association seeks innovations from the public in a special competition.

According to the association, it is exactly 245 years since the sandwich came into being.

Named after the fourth Earl of Sandwich, legend has it he demanded his meal be made up in the now- familiar form so he did not have to interrupt his card-playing to take up cutlery.

Next week, celebrants will be able to revel in all things veggie during National Vegetarian Week, promptly followed by National Barbecue Week, part of National Burger Month.

Incidentally, International Talk Like a Pirate Day is on September 19 again this year.