A MOBILE catering van is back in business after hitting bumps in the road.

Jackie's New Golden Fry van in Darlington was set up by entrepreneur and coach driver Jackie Stacey. The Red Hall resident wanted to bring a fish and chip shop to the older generation unable to travel.

Ms Stacey started the business after becoming a carer for her mother who suffered with dementia. She said it made her realise the importance of mobile businesses, as for many it's the chance to see a friendly face.

She said: "My mam was always so pleased when I brought her fish and chips from where I used to work, gestures like that mean a lot to the older community. She always used to say, imagine the amount of older people who can't go for fish and chips anymore, that really stayed with me.

"The main aim in starting the business was to help people no matter the weather. We wanted to show the older community we are here, as there's many people unable to go out such as people in wheelchairs and that limits the amount they can do."

The business has been going for nearly two years but lost many of its regular customers after it changed vans due to a failed MOT test.

Ms Stacey said many of her customers didn't recognise the new van leading to the loss.

The unroadworthy van had been on the road for just over three months before it was scrapped. It began rotting from underneath and had several other problems including loose cooking equipment.

Ms Stacey bought a new van this year from a double-glazing company and refurbished and built the interior with the help of her 87-year-old father.

The company hopes to expand in the future and is looking for ways to boost business from live events.

Ms Stacey is encouraging residents in the Whinfield, Red Hall, and Newton Aycliffe area to give the van a try and support a local business.

She said: "The business isn't doing great but when we started everyone was really excited about it but, we've had to cut streets out because of diesel costs. I've been going up and down streets and sitting there for ten minutes and nobody has come out.

"Red Hall is keeping us up at the minute as Aycliffe has gone quiet. A lot of people try but more support would be lovely."