An Ayrshire chef has bid an emotional farewell to his customers as he called it quits today.
Chris Dibden retired from Big Dibby's Kitchen saying that his 'health and lifestyle' had caught up with him.
The Galston takeaway proved popular throughout the region and will continue under the stewardship of new chefs.
Known for selling tempura, burgers and nachos, Chris announced he'd be retiring this morning on his business's Facebook page.
He wrote: "Well folks, the final day has came for me at Big Dibby's kitchen. What a journey it has been.
"Started with not a penny and a got given the chance to pay it up by a good friend of mine by turning it from a place that wasn't making anything at all to a successful busy kitchen it is today.
"I couldn’t have done without you guys coming from all over the country to try my food and all the good reviews.
"I know I wasn’t the most reliable of people sometimes and let a few of you down by not turning up and coming up with terrible excuses.
"But unfortunately my health and lifestyle has finally caught up with me and my health comes first, unfortunately, as I've got four kids to think of.
"So I'm taking an early retirement for now. You never know, hopefully I'll get a bit better and do something else down the line."
Chris also paid tribute to the chefs taking over the venue.
He added: "I'm really going to miss the place. I've met some amazing folk had the best laugh of my life with you guys. I really am so scunnered to let it go.
"But I am sure the new chefs that have got it now will do a cracking job and I will be back in helping from time to time.
"These boys are outstanding chefs and I for one am really looking forward to see wat they are going to be doing so please give these boys the chance you gave me and keep coming to see them and trying their food.
"I would also like to thank all the great staff I have had working with me, I couldn’t have done it without you guys."
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