A Boughton couple who won £1m on a National Lottery scratchcard have launched a new venture — a mobile fish and chip van.

Andrew and Paula Hancock, who won their life-changing prize in July 2019, owned a catering business before their big win.

Now they have launched Loxley Catering and took their new venture to Broadleaves care home in the town to give residents and staff free fish and chips.

Andrew said: “I’ve been itching to get back into the industry because I just love how food brings people together.

“But the challenge, especially with Covid, was finding and realising the right opportunity. You could say I’ve been ‘fishing’ for the right venture.”

Loxley Catering has been visiting villages near the couple’s home during the summer as part of a ‘soft launch’.

Paula said: “We’ve had queues around corners. We once ran out of cod and one lady in Walesby said it was the best thing to happen to the village in over 20 years.

“Customers have been chatting with each other while waiting to be served, catching up on village life. I really do feel we are serving more than just fish and chips.”

The couple have employed some of the team who used to work for them at their previous business.

Explaining the decision to serve free meals at the Broadleaves care home, Andrew said he wanted to do something special to launch the new venture.

“Broadleaves is just around the corner from us,” he added. “I used to play on the fields where it now stands. I’ve lived here all my life.

“I know the people and this is a business that will succeed, or not, due to the support of the community. Fish and chips is our national dish, everybody loves it, and it just felt right to officially start by supporting local people.”

Sheena Jobson, manager of Broadleaves, said: “Fifty-five residents and staff enjoyed delicious fish and chips and the unmistakable smell wafted across the site and created a real buzz.

“It was a treat for everyone and so thank you, Andy and Paula, for thinking of us.”