A LOCAL butcher is set to hang up his cleaver after 56 years.

Butchering is a long-standing family tradition for Paul Butterworth, 72, who hails from Hoyland.

He is set to retire tomorrow (Saturday) selling his business, P Butterworth Family Butcher, of Hoyland Road, to his daughter, who will repurpose the building.

The multi-generational shop was passed down from Paul’s grandfather to his father and 16-year-old Paul in a joint partnership in 1969.

Whilst Paul has fond memories of his time serving his local community, it hasn’t been easy work.

Paul told the Chronicle that when he first started, competition was fierce, with seven other butchers in Hoyland Common.

However, with the number of supermarkets booming, local competitors soon started to drop off, but Paul’s shop rallied in the face of uncertainty.

As a sole trader, despite long working hours, not having to pay wages helped Paul’s shop’s prospects.

Paul revealed that dietary trends haven’t affected his business, with vegetarians dropping by to pick up meat for their partners.

With the rising costs of farming, Paul’s suppliers have changed over the years.

Paul used to go to Barnsley Market’s cattle auctions to source his meat.

Now, he swears by Monk Bretton’s Richmond brothers, who own Manor Farm.

Paul said: “Prices have gone up.

“You don’t get quality cheap, but you can try and do your best for the customer.”

Paul’s best-selling meat is beef.

Instead of pre-cutting joints, Paul portions meat in front of customers, so they can clearly see what they are getting.

Christmas has historically been the shop’s busiest period, with long working hours and customers stocking up for seasonal dinners.

The shop has become a long-standing cornerstone for the community.

Paul often donates to local charities through raffles, having recently contributed to a fundraiser for his local Salvation Army branch.

He also kept his shop open through the Covid-19 pandemic to serve his loyal customers during uncertain times.

Paul’s wife, Diane, said: “We stayed open throughout, even though at the start nobody knew what would happen or how long it was going to last.”

Paul joked that more recently the shop has become a ‘social club’ with regulars often coming by to have a chat.

To celebrate his retirement, Paul will enjoy a small family party and visit family in Singapore.

He hopes to spend more time with his grandson, aged two, who he currently only sees on Mondays.

Although Paul looks forward to retirement, he admits he will miss having banter with his customers.

He added: “I’ve had a few people in tears about it.

“I’d like to thank my customers, they’ve become friends.”