THE former proprietor of the Coffee Bar and Restaurant, known as the 'Kebab', has died following a short illness.

Ian Atwell ran the Coffee Bar and Restaurant, opposite St James' Chapel, with his partner Allan Candy from 1979 to 1988. The restaurant gained the Kebab moniker due to the couple having originally run the Coffee and Kebab House on St James' Street.

Ian's partner for 35 years, Allan Candy, said: 'Ian was an unforgettable character. A former social worker, he loved nothing better than to share a cup of coffee with his customers, who became his close friends.

'The "Kebab" became a popular place for teenagers, as being an ex-social worker, a coffee bar area was set aside for youngsters, boasting facilities of jukebox , pinball, Space Invaders and other game machines. He fondly remembered his time in Okehampton and the warmth of the locals.'

The couple went on to create Lord Sandwich Company in Exeter, and spent the last 20 years running a guest house and thatched cream tea rooms near Honiton.

Ian, aged 59, died peacefully at home on October 26 following a short illness. He was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in May. At time of writing, the date and place of his funeral are not yet known.