A chef who worked in Lancaster restaurants for more than 40 years and was famed for his secret kebab sauce recipe has died, aged 81.
Norman Were passed away earlier this month after a long and brave battle with cancer.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, and lived with the disease for 17 years, when five years was the average survival rate.
In May 2017, during his years fighting the disease, he took part in a charity run in Regents Park in London, in aid of the UK Sepsis Trust and in memory of his son-in-law Al, who died of sepsis aged just 45.
Norman was born in India, joined the Army in the catering corps, and was stationed in Hampshire and Wiltshire before moving to the Lancaster area.
He worked at numerous restaurants in Lancaster city centre, starting in the Steak and Kabab House in the King's Arcade in 1974, then helped to set up the Kabab and Steak restaurant on Cable Street, working there from 1982 to 1986.
Norman later worked as a chef at Crow's restaurant in Lancaster, before taking over Kabab and Steak again in its new premises on China Street.
He was there from 2003 to 2011, then worked at The Chop House on Church Street until 2016.
His famous sauce recipe remained a closely-guarded secret, Mr Were continuing to make it at home during his later life.
Norman was a huge fan of steam trains and cricket, and coached junior cricket teams at the Trimpell Club in Morecambe.
He lived in Morecambe, was married to Jackie, and they had two daughters Julie and Rebecca.
His funeral is on October 17 at the church on Christie Avenue in Morecambe, followed by burial at the cemetery in Westgate.
His daughter Julie said the family had asked for no flowers, donations to Medicins San Frontieres, and for people attending the funeral to wear colourful clothing only, to help celebrate Norman's life.
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
