Rigby's Chippy as seen on Top Gear celebrates special anniversary

Rigby’s Chippy on Deane Church Lane has been serving up fish and chips, and much more, for 40 years.

The milestone will be celebrated on June 6.

Margaret Rigby, aged 80, has run the shop since it was established in 1982.

Margaret said: “We lived across the way from the shop, I came in one day, he was taking a phone call.

When Top Gear filmed outside Rigby's Chippy

“I said who was that and he said I’ve just decided what I want to do for you. He rung back up and after he was done said I’ve just bought you that chippy.”

But although people may love her fish and chips, Margaret has a confession.

She said: “I never ever liked fish, never. I used to cook it on a Friday and we had to open all the doors and windows because I couldn’t stand it.

“I couldn’t believe he had bought me a chip shop.”

Margaret has taken a step back from the shop in the last 12 month, but her family are still holding the fort.

She said: “My daughter does all the frying, and another daughter shares it with her. My granddaughter also comes in, as do some of my close friends.”

She reminisced on the time Top Gear came to the shop.

She said: “The girls played a prank on me – they said Top Gear were coming but then a guy comes in and starts wiring me up, why are they wiring me up?

“They were in a competition, they couldn’t get in or out of their cars for 24 hours. I must have run in and out of the shop 12 times finding out what they wanted.”

Margaret also said how she used to be best friends with the father of Top Gear presenter and Bolton local Paddy McGuinness.

She said: “I was best friends with Paddy McGuinness’ dad, Paddy grew up just around the corner.

“It cut me up when he died. I still phone Paddy up now and then to check up, see how everyone is.”