FANS of a popular delicatessen are trying to keep it open with donations after the owner announced he was going to close following a Hellish year.

Regulars of Relish in Royal Wootton Bassett took to Facebook to show support for the business when Daniel Howe told them he was intending to shut for good.

He has run the deli since 2016 and said he did not make the decision lightly: “I’ve been through Hell this year with my father passing away, who I cared for. I was also in hospital with an abscess just after Christmas, which nearly became sepsis. Meaning that the shop's been shut since.

“Add in the fact that it has been a bad business year for the high street generally and that the shop needs new equipment, I decided to make the announcement.”

But soon after his revelation customers started calling for Daniel to set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the refurbishments and funds needed to keep the deli open.

“The shop needs refurbished, I was using a little fryer bought from the supermarket but to meet the demands I would need to invest in a new one," he told the Advertiser.

“Customers were encoraging me to launch a donations page to help pay for the refurbishments. I was unsure at first but the response has been amazing, it is nice to know people want to keep you on the high-street."

The GoFundMe page was launched on Friday and raised £1000 of its £6500 target in just four hours- with the current amount raised standing at more than £1240.

Matt Daniell posted on the shops Facebook page in support: “I’ve come to personally know Dan over the last six months or so, such a nice guy who makes such delicious food. He’s the hardest working bloke I know, with the worst luck. Let’s help change that and keep the RWB high street local.”

The deli, which has become famous in Wootton Bassett for its scotch eggs, has landed Daniel the nickname Deli Dan.

“The scotch eggs started after a customer requested a vegetable version. I began to try different recipes and ended up selling over 20 different flavours," he said.

“I was selling up to 150 on a busy weekend and before Christmas I worked non-stop from the 23rd until late afternoon on Christmas eve to meet orders.

“I’m very much just a family man that wishes to make a living. I knew nobody when I started the shop as I previously cared for my father which meant I was always busy.

“The customers have been amazing and the fundraiser is purely down to them and their support.” said Daniel.

Anyone who wants to donate can visit gofundme.com/deli-dan-eggs