A butchers which has been in business for nearly half a century fears closure because of rising costs – but its staff are determined to do all they can to keep it going.

Denis Hills Quality Butcher, in Strood, has been providing meat to customers, including restaurants, nursing homes and pubs, for 47 years.

But now its future is in doubt after its energy bills soared in the past year.

Other costs that fluctuate week-to-week also mean the butcher is struggling to budget.

Owner Denis Hills is concerned about what could happen in the New Year.

He said: "I could lose this business after Christmas. I don't want to, and I don't think I will because I'm not a bloke that would walk away. I will fight the extra mile to do that.

"The actual bags that you need now, and everything, has gone up. String, everything.

"You need the gas to get hot water all the time for washing down and that. Everything has gone sky-high."

The shop's manager Adam Stone relies on his job to provide for his family.

He said: "When Denis hired me, I said to Denis I want to take this place to new levels.

"I've told Denis whatever happens, I'll go down with him no matter what."

Mr Stone, a father-of-three, was brought to tears as he continued: "This shop means just as much to me as it does to him.

"Everything that I do in this shop, I do for my customers."

The business is doing its part to help customers who are struggling with the cost of living by providing a meal pack for families.

They contain four different cuts of meat, with each cut providing up to four meals.

Medway Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to provide more support to small businesses.

Press officer Alan Wells said they want to see a price cap on energy bills for small and medium size businesses to help them to budget.

He added: "It will enable businesses to determine their outgoings and also just prepare for some of the challenges that the current cost of living is throwing at them."

In September, the government introduced its Energy Bill Relief Scheme to support businesses up until March 31, 2023.

A spokesman for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: "We know this is a difficult time for small businesses which is why our support means they will pay less than half the predicted wholesale cost of energy this winter, alongside our recent £13.6 billion package to help business rate payers."