THE High Dales Meat Co, whose meat comes mainly from traditional rare breeds, has become the first butcher in Barnard Castle to be granted the new butcher's shop safety licence.

Butchers countrywide now have to reach a required standard of inspection before the new licence is granted. The company, which took over Michael Cairns' shop in Horsemarket two years ago, met that standard.

Farm manager Mr Andrew Raybould and his wife, Carolann, supply the shop with meat reared outdoors in a natural, stress-free environment, resulting in it being appointed the only official Rare Breed Survival Trust-accredited butcher in the region.

As well as selling meat from the Barnard Castle outlet, orders can be made via the internet for delivery countrywide. The web site address is www.highdalesmeat.co.uk.