A BUTCHER has decided to hang up his cleavers and shut up shop after 37 years.

Terry Murrell said a fond farewell to customers of Choice Cuts Organic Food Store as he closed the shop in Preston Drove, Brighton, for the final time on Saturday.

The 67-year-old said a health scare earlier this year, as well as the UK’s worsening economic situation, contributed to his decision to retire.

He is now preparing to embark on a European adventure with his wife.

“It’s time to move on,” said Mr Murrell.

“It’s been sad. We’ve had lovely things said to us.

“I’ll miss all my customers.”

Mr Murrell hosted a sausage evening on Saturday to give the shop a proper send-off.

“There were lots of tears,” said Mr Murrell.

“It was very emotional. People were very grateful for all the things we’ve done over the years.

“We saw people through the lockdowns, we never closed at all.

“We’ve watched people grow up and have children and their children have children.

“They’re like family some of them.

“People who moved away come back for Christmas.

“It was nice to say goodbye.”

Mr Murrell’s daughter Jess, who has worked at the butchers for 16 years, said the greatest moment was seeing the community come together during Covid.

The business was a thoroughly family affair, with Mr Murrell’s granddaughter and son also working in the shop throughout the years.

“Lockdown was amazing,” she said. “Customers brought in presents for us.

“Because we were here, we couldn’t get our own stuff, so people were cooking us food.

“At Christmas customers have brought us dinners.

“When it snowed one year, we were delivering to everybody, and one customer made us a massive curry because we couldn’t get out.

“Lockdown brought the community together.”

Mr Murrell said he is looking forward to a new chapter and to spending Christmas with all his family for the first time.

“We’ve never had Christmas together, ever, we’ve worked together, but by Christmas Day we’re so tired that we’ve never done Christmas so this year will be our first together,” he said.

The building was quickly snapped up by a buyer, who plans to convert the basement of the property into a three-bedroom flat.

There are no plans yet for the retail unit.