The owner of a local butchers celebrates his fiftieth year in Chester Market this month.

Geoff Hughes, owner of the Geoff Hughes Family Butchers, is celebrating his fiftieth year as a Chester Market trader this month.

In 1975, Geoff began working in the old market within the Forum Shopping Centre as a 14-year-old Saturday boy.

He later set up Geoff Hughes Family Butchers in 1996, with his wife Debbie - who he met whilst working in the market.

As a key part of Chester Market today, the trader cut the ribbon when it opened in November 2022 and has no plans to retire just yet.

"I have enjoyed every day as a market trader," said Geoff.

"Of course there have been challenges along the way. Markets and tastes have evolved over the past fifty years, but it has been an honour to serve generations of families and I'd like to thank my customers for their loyalty.

"As the last butcher trading in the city centre I was delighted to be able to make the move to the new market, to carry on offering great service and an even wider range of quality local meat and poultry, eggs and sauces plus our award-winning sausages handmade in the market."

Councillor Nathan Pardoe added: "I would like to congratulate Geoff on this incredible milestone.

"He has dedicated his life to serving market customers and is a respected member of the market community, cherished by his customers and other traders alike."

Geoff Hughes' stall is next to the market's two other produce traders, Chester Market Fishmongers – another longstanding trader Steve Cartridge with over 20 years in the market, and the Sheng Hai Oriental Supermarket.

Since opening in November 2022, the new market has welcomed over six million customers.

It boasts multiple awards, including for best Social Space in the Northern Design Awards, a Taste of Cheshire award from Marketing Cheshire and a Market Industry Trade Award for Best New Market.