HAYDON Bridge’s fish and chip shop has changed hands for the first time in over 30 years.

Robert Johnstone is the new man at the helm, after realising his lifelong ambition of owning a chippy.

He has taken over from Harry Steele, now happily retired after running the shop since 1987.

Mr Johnstone is from South Shields, and has taken on a completely new venture after working in shipyards for 36 years.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” he said. “I have been looking for the right opportunity and I found it here in Haydon Bridge.

“I’m getting to know the customers and enjoying it. The community has made us feel very welcome.”

Mr Johnstone, who will be supported by his wife Sharon, worked at the A&P Shipyard in South Tyneside for two decades.

He then moved to the Bahamas, where he worked for 16 years as a night shift manager at a shipyard.

“It was nice to be in the Bahamas, but after a lot of years on night shifts, I’m happy to be over here again,” he admitted.

Mr Johnstone, who worked briefly in a fish and chip shop as a young man, has already put his stamp on the business, but is not proposing to make big changes.

He explained: “I’ve invested in some new equipment, but generally I’ve taken on a very good business here.”

For 30 years, Harry Steele was a familiar face at the popular takeaway, but now the keen fisherman has finally retired.

He said: “I have to say a big thank you to my staff past and present. They have been a big help, especially Lindsey, who was with us for most of the 30 or so years.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported us and wish Robert well in taking on the business.”