THE father of celebrity chef Andrew Nutter has died.

Rodney Nutter was the owner of Nutters Restaurant and The Bird at Birtle’s.

In a statement released by Nutters Restaurant, it announced that Mr Nutter, believed to be in his 70’s, had died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday following a short battle with cancer.

Mr Nutter lived in Prestwich with his wife Jean and was a grandfather to three.

The statement read: “Rodney was an honorable, passionate and incredible man who gave his all to the running of two successful restaurant businesses over a period of 25 years with his wife, Jean Nutter, and son, Andrew Nutter.

“He leaves behind a loving wife, two daughters, a son and three grand children whom he doted on.

“He also leaves behind his two restaurant families by whom he will be immensely missed.

“We will all greatly miss Rodney and this lunchtime we will be raising a glass in his memory.”

On December 18 Mr Nutter and his wife were the victims of a robbery when three intruders broke into their house in Hilton Lane.

It is understood Mrs Nutter’s necklace was snatched from her neck during the raid, when the violent robbers demanded cash and money from a safe, despite the victims telling them there was not one.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

Anyone with further information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 using log number 2080/18.