As far as career changes go, swapping a lifetime of selling car parts for serving up portions of fish and chips is about as drastic as it gets.

But that's exactly what Daljit Bining has done after taking on The Johnny Fish in Russell Street, Sheerness.

With almost zero experience in the food industry, the 54-year-old admits it's a steep learning curve - but remains determined to make a success of his new business.

“It is a real challenge for me which has given me some sleepless nights but I have grabbed it with both hands," said Daljit, from Chatham.

“I am out of my comfort zone but it’s great to go into something fresh and learn something completely different.

“I have started a second career but it’s not massively different in terms of speaking to customers which is part of the job I like the most."

Car-mad Daljit started in the automotive trade in 1986 aged 16.

As part of a Youth Training Scheme, he studied stock administration and warehousing at East Kent College in Canterbury before starting his first job at Partco in Blue Town.

After six years he became the manager and stayed in management roles for the rest of his 37 years in the industry, most recently at A2 Tyres in Halfway.

But all that changed when he was contacted about running the chip shop, which had shut after being open for just a short while and needed a new boss.

Up for a change, the father-of-three threw himself into the venture.

To get the necessary skills, he worked for two weeks at a chip shop in Medway for free to learn the ins and outs of how to make the food.

With two members of staff on board, Amanda Pullen and Danny Loveridge, The Johnny Fish reopened earlier this month.

“Getting the consistency right on the batter and the right crispiness on the chips has been difficult but we are learning and getting it right," said Daljit, who thanked all those who have helped with getting the shop open.

“In the short time we have been open the feedback from customers has been fantastic and I want to thank them so much.

“Some of the traders have recognised me from my time at A2 Tyres and have looked at me as if to say ‘what are you doing here?’

“They have given me lots of supportive messages that they will come in, as well as wishing me well."

Having inherited the Johnny Fish name, it will stay for now, but Daljit said he might change it and, if he does, customers will be asked to vote for their favourite.

While he is the boss at the chippy, when it comes to food at home his wife is the head chef.

“She’s a fantastic cook so I rarely cook at home,” he said. “I would love her to work with me as we could bring her amazing Indian cuisine to our customers.”

In the meantime, customers can expect the usual chip shop classics.

“We want them to enjoy the experience of stepping foot in our door right the way to walking away with hot fish and chips," he added.

“Customers want to be engaged with rather than ‘yes how I can help you’. They want to talk to us and we want to talk to them.

“Getting that right is something we aspire to. We want to be part of a family on the Isle of Sheppey.”