John Morrison is one of Cumbria's longest-serving fish and chip shop owners. He and his wife Doreen took over Central Chippy in May 1979: the month Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister.

Mrs T had a massive influence on British life. You could say the same about Mr M's impact on Harraby.

After more than 38 years he remains enthusiastic about being at the centre of life on the estate.

John says: "You're a lucky person if you're doing a job you enjoy. I'm lucky. I love what I do."

He was 26 when he took over the business on Central Avenue, which has been a fish and chip shop since it was built in 1955.

His father-in-law Donny Edmondson had the fish and chip shop at Five Road Ends in Currock. John liked the idea of running his own chippy.

"This came up for sale. I was a rep for a tyre company. I fancied working for myself.

"Donny gave me the basics. There was courses to go on. And I've always had good staff. Some have been with me for 32, 33 years."

There are many more takeaway options now than in 1979. John says fish and chip shops survive because people buy more takeaways now.

"Society has changed dramatically. People don't have time. Women work as well as men. More people pay for cooked food. Dinner times are quieter because of things like sandwich bars. But in essence it's the same.

"I think the big trend in the time I've been doing the job is, people eat a bit less. The lighter meals are much more popular these days."

Central Chippy's speciality is skinless, boneless cod. "We don't sell haddock. We used to but the cod was so good, 95 per cent of people started asking for it. A lot of people sell various fish at various times because of market forces. It doesn't matter what it costs me - we always sell the same. Consistent quality is the key."

John's other products include haggis, black pudding and Cumberland sausage. Fish and chips remains the most popular option.

"We're a traditional, proper fish and chip shop. We stick with what we're good at. We've never done pizzas or kebabs. It's a great community thing, fish and chips. Good fish and chips are a beautiful meal. It's a great British institution."

His satisfaction at the food he and his staff produce is clear. "Looking at a hot box full of beautifully cooked food, thinking there's nothing I wouldn't be delighted to eat myself. Producing a product you're proud of."

Regular customers come from as far as Penrith and Alston. In 2013 a young American couple driving through Cumbria popped in and tried the meat and tattie pattie.

A few months later John took a phone call from the male half of the couple. His wife was 21 weeks pregnant and said she’d give anything for one of those patties. John agreed to share some tips on how they're made.

Now 64, he has no immediate plans to retire. "The thing about working for yourself is, it's your baby. It's a big deal. You regard your customers as friends. I'll talk to anybody. We're all people. Treat people well. It stands you in good stead."