CORNERSTONE Cowes cafe, Eegons of Cowes has closed, but has launched a gofundme page to help fund its new premises.

Rod Ainge, 74, has been running the business for more than 30 years, but with his landlord deciding to sell the building, he's on the lookout for a new base of operations.

The Cowes cafe has ushered a long list of famous faces through its doors over the years, including Celia Imrie, Nick Knowles, Eddie George and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Every year, Rod and his team support two local charities in Cowes RNLI, for whom they provide buffets, and Isle of Wight Prostate Society ­— a charity close to Rod's heart.

"I've had prostate cancer and they've been absolutely brilliant with advise and help and reassurance," said Rod.

"The least I could do is support them.

"My landlord gave me 28 days to vacate, and now we're looking to relocate.

"I'm rude to all my customers.

"One New Year's Eve, I decided my resolution would be to be nice to all my customers, and it lasted about two hours because they all got fed up with it.

"But I've been there 30 years and I've made lots of friends ­— I've had hundreds of cards from people sending good wishes.

"The place is completely gutted now.

"People have been popping in, saying they're so sorry to hear the news, and I've been saying 'well, the phoenix will rise from the ashes'.

"I'll be 75 next month, and the thing is, since I left school at 15 I've been working seven days a week.

"I reckon, if I stop now, my old body is gonna say 'hello, what's going on here', and the County Press is going to be publishing my obituary.

"It's an end of an era, but it's been a marvellous 30 years and we've met some fabulous people.

"We've got our eyes set on a place which will be very central, and we hope to be there for the next 30 years ­— I'm gonna make it, trust me.

"I'll be hanging my letter from the Queen in the window."

Rod and his team have kickstarted a gofundme page to raise money toward reopening in a new premises.

Rod says £3,000 should be enough to relocate, but a target of £25,000 would allow them to do a full refit.

To make a donation, go to www.gofundme.com