A NORTH-EAST butcher has revealed plans to expand across the UK with support from a law firm.

The Fat Butcher, which has a store in Shiremoor, North Tyneside, aims to open 25 outlets in the next three years.

Bosses, who say the proposals could create 100 jobs, say its next store will be in St Helen Auckland, County Durham.

Scott Andrews, The Fat Butcher’s director of operations, said: “There will always be a place for a local butcher’s shop in a community.

“With the sky high prices you often get in supermarkets, people want to source their meat from somewhere they know and trust.

“We have traditional values and have been welcomed with open arms.

“We have a great ethos and excellent brand, and plan to roll out what we do across the country over the next three years.

“It is a very ambitious project for us, but one we are looking forward to getting started.”

The Fat Butcher opened its first shop with support from law firm Sintons, which has offices in Newcastle, and property consultants Sanderson Weatherall.

Tom Wills, Sinton’s associate, said: “The Fat Butcher is a very exciting new brand with expansion plans to match.

“It has been established by a very dynamic team who aim to make it a national name.

“I’m very pleased to be able to support them in the first step of their journey, and look forward to working with them throughout their expansion.”