A village butcher is to hang up his apron as he retires from a butchers.

Mark Lambert, aged 56, owner of the Village Butcher, Tottington, opened the shop at 21-years-old, and is now passing the reigns over to Paul Swarbrick.

He said: “Everyone has said they are so glad I sold it to Paul.

“It is a natural transgression, he has been with me since he left school and I am just glad we could do it but it hasn’t properly sunk in yet.

“I am going to miss it, it was a big part of my life.

"At 21 years old, I set up in a shop across the road, then this came up for sale 18 months later and we have been here ever since.

“It has been a long road with highs and lows but it has been so good, it is a lot of commitment and hard work but the customers make it worth it, they are loyal and I have made really good friends along the way.”

Mark had the discussion with Paul adding that he felt he was at a good age to retire and he wanted to spend more time with his parents on their farm in Rawtenstall - and play a lot more golf.

The new owner, Paul, began work at the Village Butcher as a young lad and has been there for a total of 19 years.

He said: “Mark has always been there, even semi-retired he was in every day but I am looking forward to the challenge, I hope I can fill his shoes.”

Mark praised Paul, adding how much customers love him and that he will always be on hand to help.

For those wanting to give Mark a final farewell, he will be at the shop on Saturday, August 27, from midday onwards to have a drink and reminisce.

Hundreds of Facebook users wished their best to Mark after the announcement, sharing their memories, fondness and joking about how much gold he will be playing in retirement.

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