A RETIRING Barrow chip shop owner has been thanked with the Bouquet of the Week as she has helped raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

June Devlin, owner of Dev's Plaice in Rawlinson Street, has been serving up fish and chips for the people of Barrow over the last three decades but is calling it a day.

The 64-year-old, of Harrison Street, Barrow, has supported Marie Curie by encouraging her customers to put their pennies and change in a collection box on the serving counter, raising plenty of cash for the charity which supports people living with terminal illness and their families.

'Gobsmacked'

Joan Hall, chairwoman of Furness' Marie Curie group, thought it was fitting that Mrs Devlin should be recognised for her charitable gesture with the Evening Mail's Bouquet of the Week.

Speaking after the presentation, Mrs Devlin said: "It was very emotional. I was gobsmacked.

"I picked them as you can't get any more worthy than a cancer charity.

"I had a mum and dad who both had lung cancer. I think any cancer charity does a brilliant job.

"Joan's lovely. She's invited me to join them when I retire and that's something I would like to do."

Mrs Devlin has worked at Dev's Plaice for 33 years, 20 of them as owner, and she hopes to spend more time with her two grown-up children and her four grandchildren during her retirement.

Mrs Devlin has been busy trying to find a buyer for the much-loved chippy and was due to shut up shop for the final time on Saturday September 24.

However, she says an interested person has come forward so that date may change and the shop may stay open after she retires.

In her Bouquet of the Week nomination, Mrs Hall praised Mrs Devlin, saying: "She's raised a lot of money for Marie Curie.

"She keeps a tin and every time I open the tin there's a load of money in it."

Previous Bouquet of the Week winners

Barrow champion carer honoured with Bouquet of the Week after 25 years service

Barrow Bouquet of the Week winner vows to create charitable legacy for her late husband

Walney toddler group leaders thanked with Bouquet of the Week