AWARD-winning bakery The Kandy Bar has come to the rescue to fulfill a terminally ill Saltcoats man’s dying wish.

Craig Ballantyne, who is suffering from cancer, has no appetite – apart from Scotch Pies.

The 55-year-old, who now lives in Wiltshire, developed his passion for the local delicacy during his childhood in Ayrshire but frustratingly they are impossible to find south of the border.

Craig’s ex-army friend Dave ‘Dai’ Williams stepped in and searched the internet and naturally the award-winning Kandy Bar – officially makers of the best Scotch pie in the world – was the result.

When Kandy Bar’s Stephen McAllister heard of Craig’s dying wish he immediately offered to take the pies in person to Craig’s home in Wiltshire.

Stephen said: “When I heard Craig’s story my heart went out to him.

"He’s only 55 – the same age as myself – it’s heartbreaking.

"I thought, I can’t trust a courier to take them – I want them to arrive in the best condition so I offered to deliver them.” Dave – who served with Craig in the Royal Signals in Northern Ireland – suggested transporting them in relay and will meet Stephen at Carlisle today and has recruited fellow veterans to help out.

He said: “I’m lost for words at what Stephen is doing for Craig.

"For this local bakery to help out a local lad in this way is such a great thing.” Stephen set off this morning at 7.30am with a freshly-baked batch of the unrivalled pies.

“It’s not about the publicity.

"Time is of the essence for Craig so taking them myself is the quickest way to fulfill his wish.” Craig’s wife of two weeks Rachel said: “I’m overwhelmed by people’s kindness.”