A RETIRED butcher took a trip down memory lane as he paid a visit to the premises of his former business which was set up by his father 90 years ago in Barrow.

Alan Shepherd, 72, from Scales, left school to work at J.W. Shepherd Butchers in Harrogate Street, Barrow, when he was a 15-year-old boy under the watchful eye of his father, who was known locally as Billy Shepherd.

When he was 23, he took over the business full-time and supplied meat to the Barrow community until 2009 when he was forced to retire due to ill health.

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After years of mismanagement, the store was bought by Lee Burgess and Ian Brown who reopened the butchers in August to restore it to its former glory.

Mr Shepherd said: "It has changed so much because I used to only sell raw meat whereas these lot are selling pies and cooked stuff which is fantastic.

"The family name goes back generations and it is a name that a lot of people around here recognise.

"I like to try and come down when I can to see how the place is doing and to see how Ian and Lee are getting on.

"I'm long retired now and enjoy living my life out in the country so I don't miss it but if I was living around here in Barrow I think I would be more keen to get behind the counter again."

Mr Brown and Mr Burgess purchased the business in April at auction for £52,000 after it had gone bankrupt under its previous owner.

They renovated the premises in Harrogate Street to give it a fresh new look ahead of its grand opening last month but decided to keep the Shepherd family name above the door.

Mr Burgess said: "We are very happy that we've managed to get this butchers up and running again. It's so handy for everyone around here and all the people in the community have said how much they've missed it being open.

"We would love people to come and have a look around. We like to hear new ideas and if there is something that the people want that we haven't got we will get it for them. This shop belongs to our customers."

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The 33-year-old, who juggles the butchery business with a full-time job full-time for BAE systems at Barrow shipyard, is keen to incorporate a new range of food options for loyal shoppers.

He added: "We have had a lot of people ask us for healthier alternatives so that is something that we are very keen to push.

"However, we also sell lots of old classics such as a haggis and home-made black pudding and pies which sell really well in store.

"We couldn't be happier with the positive feedback we've had since opening and we just want this place to keep getting busier and busier."