A FAMILY butcher has sharpened his knives for the last time after being in the trade for over 40 years.

And on Saturday customers bade an emotional farewell to butcher Stephen Atherton, who shut his Leigh shop for the final time.

Stephen, was just 10 when he started work at the Railway Road business which was run by his father until

he took over in 1961. Amazingly he has never had a day off sick during his 42 year career.

Family

But now Stephen has decided to hang up his apron and sell the premises -- to spend more time with his family.

His butcher's shop will be converted into a Chinese takeaway.

Stephen told the Journal: "It's time for me to have a rest and spend some time with my family. I'm very happy to be leaving, although I take away so many happy memories.

"I've been working for 50 weeks a year for the past 42 years and it's time for a rest. I will miss the customers -- some have been coming in since my father was in charge.

"I've always had a loyal base of customers who appreciate good service. But the trouble is that all family businesses are closing. Our job has changed and we've competed with supermarkets for the past 30 years. Nobody wants to buy a butcher's business anymore, which is a shame, but it's a sign of the times.

"I may look for a part time job to keep me busy but I just want to have a complete break from the food industry. On behalf of all the Atherton family, I would like to thank all my loyal customers for their business throughout the years."