A couple worked around the clock to reopen their Minster business this week after a truck wrecked their premises.

Ozkan Mustafa and wife Sezan feared they could go bust after the pick-up ploughed into Archie’s fish and chip shop on Bank Holiday Monday.

The four-wheel drive then continued to wreak a midnight trail of destruction for more than a hundred yards down the High Street, smashing into cars, walls and buildings.

The driver reversed out of the shop into cars parked opposite, including the Mustafas’.

The couple have since worked day and night, helped enormously by builder friend Tony, to reopen the takeaway and restaurant.

Mr Mustafa said: “We could not afford to keep the shop closed, otherwise we would go bankrupt.

“It was a lot of work, but I feel better now we are open again. It could have been much worse, at least no one was hurt.”

They moved back above the shop once it had been made safe and are managing, despite the lack of hot water and cooking facilities, with help from their six children, who live in Broadstairs and Herne Bay.

A 31-year-old man from the Ramsgate area was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. He has been released on bail until October 19 pending further inquiries.

For the full story see this week’s Isle of Thanet Extra.