A butcher in Silsden is finally hanging up his cleavers after more than four decades as the town's meat man.

After 45 years as one of Silsden's longest standing businessmen, John Smithies, of Aireville Crescent, is to sell his shop, which he runs with his wife Barbara, to spend more time with their grandson.

The 59-year-old said: "He's our first grandchild so we want to spend as much time with him as possible. We also wanted more time to go walking.

"It was just time to move on - do less work."

John began in the butchery trade at the age of 15, working part time as a farm labourer on Alec Jackson's farm and in Jackson's own butcher's shop on Tufton Street.

He then bought his own shop and has since survived decimalisation in the 70s, recession in the 80s and the BSE crisis of the 90s. John worked hard to keep the business a family affair, working not only with Barbara, but also with his son Jonathan.

According to daughter, Fiona, her father has always been a firm believer in supporting local producers and is known for his passion for good meats and always maintained the highest of standards in his business.

He has won several awards to show for it.

John and Barbara recognise that they could not have stayed in business without the loyalty of several generations of customers, and would like to thank them all for their support over the years.

They will be saying farewell on Saturday.

The family butchers, on Kirkgate, will be taken over by Andrew Aspinall, another local butcher who has worked in shops in Bingley and Keighley.

John said: "We're leaving the shop in good hands, but I'll be staying on for a few weeks to help him settle in and show him the ropes."

Andrew, 27, will take over on April 5. Not wanting to give up on a career in meat, Mr Smithies will work part-time at another butchers in Keighley.