A TROPICAL fish fan has taken over the business he first discovered as a customer.

Stephen Douglas progressed to helping out at the Fish Alive store in Gilesgate near Durham after buying supplies from the shop on a regular basis and took the plunge when the owners decided to retire.

The shop has built up a good reputation in the area after trading for more than three decades.

Mr Douglas said: “I have kept fish for 35 years and travelled to Fish Alive from Chester-le-Street because of the quality of the fish, customer service and after-sales, so when the opportunity arose to buy the business, I took it.”

He worked with lawyers Gordon Brown Associates, which had previously helped with his house purchase, to secure the deal.

Martin Donnelly, commercial property lawyer at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Stephen’s love of fish has created a strong attachment with Fish Alive, so much so that he has decided to take a leaf out of 80s entrepreneur Victor Kiam’s book and buy the business.

“I am sure his drive and passion will help to continue the excellent reputation built up over the years.”