Top award for retiring butcher

SOON-TO-RETIRE butcher John Mettrick has had a lifetime of hard work and dedication to the meat trade recognised with a top industry award.

John collected the coveted Top Shop award for the family”s shop in Glossop, Derbys, in front of a gathering of butchers in London on the eve of the show last Wednesday (Dec 1).

“A fantastic surprise,” said John, receiving the award run by the Meat Trades Journal.

“My guiding principle has always been to never sell anything that I wouldn”t eat myself,” added John, who works alongside his two sons and is planning to retire on Boxing Day when he turns 65.

Oxon farmer Colin Dawes scooped the Royal Smithfield Club-sponsored Best Farm Shop category for Foxbury Farm Shop, which he opened near Brize Norton in 2001.

 “We”ve created an outlet for ourselves,” said Colin. “Every-thing from the farm goes out through the front door of the shop.”