A POPULAR butcher is closing down for good tomorrow after more than 30 years. Now John Millard, 60, who opened John Millard's Butchers in Ditton, near Maidstone, in 1970, is looking forward to retirement and to his first holiday in more than 20 years.

Mr Millardhas been saying emotional farewells to his customers and has very fond memories of the shop in Woodlands Parade.

He said: "I've had some really good times here. The money is really a secondary consideration. Some people call me a businessman, but I'm just a butcher. I just love what I do. We've had some great laughs in the shop over the years. It's been brilliant."

Mr Millard's wife, Maureen, offered to help out in the shop temporarily when it first opened and has been working there ever since. Now the couple, who live in Woodlands Road, Ditton, are looking forward to putting their feet up.

Mr Millard has sold the premises and it is unclear what it will be used for in the future. But he has been assured it will not be a butcher's shop.