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A popular cafe has announced it will be shutting for the "foreseeable future" - one month after the sudden death of its owner.

For almost three decades Dave Richardson’s legendary fry-ups filled the bellies of customers at the Sportsman in Wincheap.

But following his shock death in July, the cafe has decided to cease operating.

Dave Richardson

A message in its window addressed to its customers said: "Due to sad circumstances it is with regret that the cafe will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

"Thank you for all your custom and kind support."

Lancastrian Dave was twice-married and divorced and had two daughters and a step-daughter.

His passing had shocked family and friends, including brother Paul.

The message in the Sportsman Cafe's window announcing its closure (3770569)

After the news broke, he said the many messages of sympathy and support on Facebook had been a comfort to them.

Paul, who lives in Sevenoaks, explained how Dave visited Canterbury in 1989 while working for a lighting company and saw the Wincheap cafe was for sale.

“Dave previously had a variety of jobs but the cafe became the love of his life and his staff was like an extended family," he said.

“He was really fussy about things like the quality of his meat - it wasn’t just about making as much money as possible.

The Sportsman Cafe

“It suited him because he was a very sociable chap, and it’s been nice to read the many comments from people about how well-liked Dave was.

“Although he hadn’t been in good health recently, we just weren’t expecting it.”