POPULAR butcher Dirk Pittaway is handing over the reins of his family business after 27 years.

The 58-year-old took charge at the Pittaway Butchers Shop, in Borough Road, Darlington, in 1978.

But now, after years of dividing his time between the shop and his farm, in Whashton, near Richmond, he is preparing to concentrate all his efforts on the livestock.

Mr Pittaway is handing control of the business over to his nephew, Stephen Feary.

"It's not so much retiring as changing jobs, because all the stock we rear goes directly to the shop. There is a lot of work to do on the farm and it's always busy," said Mr Pittaway.

"But leaving the butchers will give me a bit more freedom - a bit more spare time. I realised now was the time to go."

Mr Feary, 38, of Milton Street, Darlington, has worked with Mr Pittaway since he was 16, but has no plans to overhaul the business.

He said: "I've been here for 22 years and I'm going to be keeping everything exactly the same.

"It's a bit more responsibility, especially with the book-keeping work, but I'm looking forward to it."