A popular north-east chimney sweep has been forced to give up his business of 20 years as he prepares to undergo treatment for cancer.
Keith Price, 61, has carried out the traditional occupation at cottages, homes and even castles across the region.
Yesterday, Mr Price announced that he had made the heartbreaking decision to bring the business to a close after being diagnosed with cancer.
After finding a small lump in his mouth just before Christmas, doctors discovered more lumps in his throat and lungs which they believe are also cancerous.
Last week the 61-year-old was diagnosed with the disease, and told he would likely be starting daily radiotherapy and chemotherapy by the end of the month.
Mr Price said: “Even if treatment works and they manage to shrink the tumours, I’m having to pack in my business, which I’m so sad about.
“They’ve not told me it’s terminal, which I’m taking as a good sign and trying to stay positive about.
“But I’ve no choice to carry on the business.
“I posted on Facebook about it and have had tonnes of messages.
“It choked me up a bit knowing that I’ve made a bit of an impact in the years I’ve been part of the community.”
As a Tesco retail manager, Mr Price relocated from Gloucester to Elgin more than 20 years ago and made the choice to start sweeping chimneys temporarily after seeing a local trader retiring.
The Guild of Master Sweepers member, who lives near Portsoy, found a passion for the profession as he enjoyed seeing people’s houses and meeting lots of new acquaintances.
Covering a 40 mile radius over his tenure, Mr Price has worked on properties from Craigellachie to Fraserburgh, and made friends at various spots.
Mr Price said: “I decided to do it until I found something else, but after two years the business had grown and I really enjoyed it.
“Over the years I found it wasn’t advertising which helped grow my customer base, but people passing my name around that helped.
“Now, having seen some customers up to three times a year, they’ve become friends and I really have to thank them.
“I’ve seen so many amazing houses – like the Earl of Seafield’s estate, Drummuir estate, little cottages with character and homes in the country with five-mile tracks through trees where you feel you’re lost in wonderland.
“I’m so very sad to have to give it up. I really will miss it.”