A SHOP return for a Dunfermline man has seen customers queuing up to thank him for re-opening their local convenience store.

John Montgomery used to own the Corner Shop on Maitland Street and had to give it up 20 years ago.

But he couldn't bear to see the business shut down and brought forward his retirement plans to open all hours from January.

One of his customers, Helen Maclaren, said: "He deserves some recognition in the Press for all he's doing, especially during lockdown.

"John had the shop years ago and built it up from nothing.

"When he left it was a real loss. It's not been the same and the shop was closed until he opened it back up again at the start of the year.

"He's helped out so many people and there's nothing you can't get there."

She added: "It's his kindness I really want to highlight.

"I'm in bed ill at the moment waiting for an operation that I can't get so he gave me seven magazines to read and wouldn't take a penny.

"My husband mentioned he was going to paint the steps and yesterday John came over with a tin of grey paint that he gave us for free as he knew we were struggling."

Asked what he's been doing to help the community, John, 52, told the Press: "I've been delivering messages and newspapers, taking milk to people, I put hand sanitiser through folk's doors for free and if I don't have what they're after I'll go and physically source it for them.

"That's just what you do. I don't do it for me, you're there to provide a service.

"It's a fantastic catchment area and every wee community needs a shop like that, especially at times like this.

"Everyone does their shopping at Asda or Tesco but if they run out or forget something, there's the corner shop.

"That's convenience. And if it's not got it, next time they run out of something they won't come to your shop."

John, a painter and decorator to trade, had three shops on the go at one stage and it was his plan to retire at 55 and go back to his original shop in Maitland Street.

He explained: "I used to own it when I was younger, from when I was 20 to just over 30.

"My wife got the shop in the divorce settlement and sold it.

"When I found out recently it was shut it just about broke my heart. I thought I might not get the chance in three years' time so decided to do it now.

"I think locals missed it. There's been a shop on this site for about 100 years.

"It's well-stocked, I've got alcohol, newspapers, fruit and veg, I'm at the cash and carry twice a day as every penny I make goes back into the shop."

He continued: "I love it. From December 1 to today I've never missed a day and I get up at 4am, seven days a week.

"I've got a part-time worker and my son comes in for an hour to let me go to the cash and carry but you have to put the hours in to make it work.

"And if I'm behind the counter I'm saving myself a tenner an hour!"