Several jobs have been saved as an Island businessman takes over two popular Isle of Wight fish and chip shops.

The County Press has been told that Happy Haddock, in both Sandown and Shanklin High Streets, will reopen next month (October) under new ownership.

It brings an end to uncertainty surrounding the shops, following their sudden closure last month (August). As the County Press reported, they later appeared for sale on Gully Howard.

The company fell into administration on September 12 when Chris Tate and Duncan Swift, of Azets, were appointed joint administrators.

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They were originally engaged in July, to help find a buyer for the business, after Happy Haddock struggled to continue trading profitably.

Wholesale prices of potatoes and other key supplies hitting their highest-ever rates in May, were among the reasons why.

After a 'vigorous' marketing the business and its assets were sold on Tuesday, September 26 - the same day as a mysterious new owner posted on the chip shops' Facebook page.

The County Press can reveal the owner is well-known local businessman and managing director of Top Mops, Mark Tutty.

He told the CP: "My background has always been Top Mops but I was a chef for years. I always wanted a fish and chip shop and now this has come up.

"It will be an exciting future."

The post on Facebook said: "While we may have a new face at the helm, our dedication to providing you with the same mouth-watering dishes and outstanding service you know and love will never change.

"Your support and loyalty mean the world to us, and we promise to continue serving you with the same passion and dedication that has been the heart of The Happy Haddock for years."

Chris Tate told the County Press: "The sale will help boost the local economy by saving several jobs, providing the Sandown landlord with an ongoing tenant, and retain much loved fish and chip shops at the heart of the local community for years to come."

A grand re-opening of both fish and chip shops is planned for Friday, October 6.