Sam Dorling is moving on from the Crows Nest after 13 years.

A POPULAR food van owner today thanked her customers for their loyal service as she shut up shop for the final time.

Sam Dorling, 46, has been in charge of the Crows Nest, a burger van at the ship viewing area, for the last 13 years.

She has kept thousands of ship-spotters well fed during her tenure and she admitted she was sad to shut down the van, which will soon make way for the new Landguard visitor centre.

She said: “Lots of people have been down and we have been given cards and flowers. People are being so nice and kind. It’s a bit sad really.”

The Crows Nest closed yesterday with the new visitor centre, which will include a restaurant, due to start taking shape soon.

Sam, a trained chef, said she hoped to work in a restaurant kitchen again as she paid tribute to her customers.

She added: “I want to say a massive thank-you to all my customers who have supported me for the last 13 years, whatever the weather. We have got some hardcore regulars who always come and that is what keeps us going – I really will miss them.”

A leaving party will take place at the Buregate Pub, in Felixstowe, on November 17 from 3pm.