An experienced butcher is taking on a shop in Halstead after its owner retired.

Howard’s Family Butchers, in High Street, Halstead, is now trading as Hards of Halstead, after being taken on by Nick and Lisa Hards.

Paul Howard, the former owner, retired at the end of September, after owning the butcher’s for a number of years.

Mr Hards, 48, of Barnston, near Great Dunmow, has worked in butcher’s shops his whole life as his father owned several in London.

He said: “I have run shops in Walthamstow and Chingford.

“I heard from Ken Monk, who used to own Howard’s before Paul took it over, that Paul was looking to retire.

“I took a drive to the town and really liked the high street.

“After speaking to Paul, I decided to take it on.

“It is going to be a traditional, family run butcher’s.”

Mr Hards will be assisted by his wife, Lisa, 41, and son ten-year-old Alfie on Saturdays.

He said: “There has been a revival of butcher’s recently.

“I remember when all the supermarkets started opening up.

“They say there is a cycle in where people shop and I think we are now seeing the full cycle where people are returning to shop in butcher’s.

“A lot of people are going back to the local shops and butcher’s.

“Having these shops definitely helps the town.

“Halstead is a nice place, and the people are nice too.

“It is good that it has two butcher’s shops and a fruit and vegetable stall at the market and a fish man on a Friday.

“It really adds something to the town.”

He added the meat he sells is sourced locally from Humphrey’s, based in Braintree, and that he now makes his own sausages in the shop.

The Environment Agency has given the butcher’s the highest rating for food hygiene.