A Keighley butcher’s shop will close this weekend after 37 years.

Master butcher Michael Ward, who runs Stables Butchers, said the shop would cease trading on Saturday.

He said changes to conditions, legislation and the fact that his lease for the North Street property is expiring were factors in helping him decide to call it a day. However, he said he would continue to offer his expertise in the local area on a freelance basis.

Mr Ward, who is from Oakworth and has been a butcher for 43 years, said: “There’s no doubt that supermarkets dominate the nation’s shopping habits, but it’s reassuring that there’s still room for the butcher’s shop in the right location, providing quality, diversity, character and individuality to the discerning customer.

“I’d like to thank all my customers for their patronage over the years – not just customers, but good friends.”

His business’s origins date back to 1920, when it began as a pork butcher’s in South Street known as Johnny Stables. His father-in-law, Billy Stables, took over in 1954 and he joined in 1969.

His wife Christine was also involved as chief pie-maker when the business owned a premises in Arctic Street, Beechcliffe. Mr Ward said although this was sold off last year, the property was still a pie wholesalers.

He is currently the executive representative for Yorkshire for the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders. He served as the organisation’s president in 2009.

He is involved with arranging the Great Yorkshire Pork Pie and Sausage Competition in Bradford each November, and has been a Rotarian for many years. He will take over the presidency of the Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary Club next month.