A chippy owner is saying arrivederci to his seaside customers more than 40 years after moving to the county.

Luigi Del Duca first called Kent and Dover his home back after leaving his native Italy in 1977.

And it didn't take the 72-year-old long to become a much-loved figure in the coastal town, as he launched Castle Take Away just three years later.

The popular fish and chip shop, which overlooks Dover Castle in Castle Street, has been a mainstay in the town ever since under Luigi's ownership.

It has also served grub including sausages, chicken wings and spring rolls, as well as burgers and hot and cold drinks.

But after 44 years at the helm, Luigi is waving goodbye to customers after deciding to sell the business and retiring later this month.

Luigi explained: “I feel very proud but also quite sad too after so many years.

"All the comments from the public and staff who used to work here do make me a bit emotional.

"I would like to think it shows I treated them well while I was here.

"I didn't do this job just for money, but because I had passion and wanted to offer a good service to people.

"So being called the best chippy in Dover makes it all feel very rewarding."

Although he has big retirement plans to come, Luigi says the decision to quit was not taken lightly.

"I have been thinking about calling it a day for a couple of years," he added.

"I will be 73 at the end of next month and would of course like to carry on, but anything can happen on any day.

"Even though I'm a fit man that's why I decided to stop.

"At the moment, I'm going to spend my final few weeks in the shop and in Dover.

"After that, I would like to spend two or three months in England and three or four months in Italy.

"Two of my children live in Italy - one is in Rome and one is based in the village where I am from in the region of Frosinone.

"I also have one son here in England and another in Miami in the USA, so I will spend more time with family now."

He says his love for the shop will also mean he will help its new owners learn the ropes as they intend to keep it as a traditional chippy.

Luigi continued: "Dover has changed a lot since I started with the number of people now, but it's still been a nice street and place to be.

"So even though the lease to the business has been sold, I will be helping out the new owner, Parvis, and showing him and the team how we have run the business during the next few weeks."

Speaking directly to his customers online, he added he will take "many fond memories" away with him due to "the loyal support" of all those involved in keeping the business running.

One of his clients responded by saying: “Luigi, what can I say? I’ve only lived in Dover for a few years but it feels like the end of an era.

“Wishing you only good things for your well-earned retirement.”

Another added: “Thank you Luigi for running the best fish and chip shop in Dover and being such a kind and friendly gentleman. You will be missed.”