A COUPLE that has served remote Dales villages from their mobile chip van for almost 40-years are hanging up their aprons.

Richard and Pauline Ramsay have become popular figures across the Yorkshire Dales, having spent the last four decades delivering fish suppers to residents across Swaledale, Wensleydale and Coverdale.

In February the couple celebrated their 38th year in business but have now decided the time is right to retire.

Mr Ramsay said: “It’s time we called it a day. We’ve really enjoyed building up our trade over the years and are proud to say that we have created a solid and profitable business.

"It’s time to pass this on and we hope that someone will come forward and continue the legacy."

The fish and chip van is up for sale via Dales-based agents JR Hopper Ltd, with offers invited in the region of £99,950.

And Mr Ramsay hopes that there is someone out there ready to take on the mantle.

He said: “It would be sad to see the van go and would be a real shame for the Dales.

"It has become an attraction and has welcomed visitors from as far afield as Australia”

Ramsay’s has also featured in a national Welcome to Yorkshire advert, has appeared on the Dales Diary TV show and made headlines in the national press.

Mr Ramsay said: “There comes a time when you need to make a decision and to step aside and give someone else a chance.

"We’ve come to that point and really do hope that whoever buys the van gets as much enjoyment out of it as we have."

The van's current business model is that it operates four days a week between 4.30pm and 8.30pm with some food preparation work involved behind the scenes.

In their description of the van, JR Hopper Ltd says: "It does not currently trade at any shows or events, but there is further scope for a new buyer to do so if they wished.

"Accounts and trading figures can be made available upon viewing but the owners' year end turnover for 2017 was £151,165 and gross profit was £96,864.

"The current owners will be happy to show any new buyer the ropes for a couple of weeks after the purchase, the route, the suppliers etc all part of the good will."