Couple hang up butchers' aprons after 35 years

Will and Karen Shingler are leaving after more than three decades running the butcher's counter at Sandbach Market Hall

A couple who have run a butcher stall for 35 years are hanging up their aprons.

Will and Karen Shingler, who ran Will’s Butchers at Sandbach Market Hall, have decided to take early retirement.

The couple have now handed over to new owners, having prepared their final fillets over the weekend.

They were joined by friends and customers, who celebrated with a glass of fizz.

Mrs Shingler said they had had their busiest weekend ever, with hundreds of customers turning up as well as other business-owners from the town.

She said there were tears, but it was amazing to see how many people wanted to support them.

'Truly grateful'

Posting online, the couple said: “We’ll be taking with us the most memorable times we’ve created together over the years, with all the lovely people we’ve met along the way!”

They added: “This journey would not have been possible without all our loyal customers (some of whom have been with us from day one) to whom we’re truly grateful and to our staff (including our children Jake and Jasmin) who have worked for us over the years.”

They said they would be sad to leave, but were looking forward to their new adventures and spending more time with their grandchildren.