Ananova:

An Iranian has opened the world's most northerly kebab shop - in an old military van in the Arctic circle.

The Red Polar Bear, owned by Kazem Ariaiwand, sells kebabs on the island of Spitsbergen, 300 miles off the northern tip of Norway.

Mr Ariaiwand moved to Spitsbergen, where temperatures average minus 10C, after a failed asylum attempt in Norway.

His venture has been such a success among the settlement's 2,000 population that it is challenging the more traditional fare of seal and minke whale meat.

"I've made a fair amount of money but the problem is that I don't know how to spend it," the 48-year-old told the Daily Telegraph.

"I came here without knowing anyone. I had nothing. I came on a plane with my backpack. Now I have many friends, almost the whole town."

Mr Ariaiwand fled Iran five years ago but while his wife and son were granted asylum in Norway, he was refused.

His only recourse, he said, was Spitsbergen in the archipelago of Svalbard - which does not require residence permits.

But, despite the success of his kebab shop, he longs to return to a more normal life. His latest visa application to Norway was rejected in February.