The owner of an Ilkeston fish and chip shop that has been serving customers for more than 60 years says closing the business has been a "very emotional ride." Dennis Jackson, 84, recently announced that his beloved Jackson's Chippie on Market Street was coming to an end due to his advancing years and the increasing costs of running the business.
"All our takings today are going to the Ilkeston Community Hospital, we did the same 20 years ago and raised £1,000, so this time we're hoping to reach £2,000. I'm trying to keep light hearted today, but it has been a very emotional ride." Chrissie, Susan, Lilian, Angie, Linda and Sylvia lived with their two brothers, mother and father and were known as the Draper family. Now aged between 71 and 58, they shared fond memories of living next to the chip shop, with the family having left their home next to the shop around 58 years ago.
Someone who made an extra special trip for Dennis' final day of trading was Lesley Ray, 64, who started working for Dennis in 1974 until she started university in 1981. She now lives in Italy but flew back to see the final closure of Jackson's Chippie.