A popular butcher is set to retire after 45 years of serving a community.

Mark Jones, 60, owner of Jones T A & Sons Butchers in The Green, Chingford, who has worked in the family business since the age of 15, will retire on March 28 at 3pm when he will close the shop for the last time.

The father-of-two said despite enjoying his time running the butchers, which was opened by Mr Jones's grandfather in 1930, he must retire after putting off an operation for more than six years.

Although the new buyer of the shop has not yet been revealed, Mr Jones has confirmed it will no longer be a butcher.

Following his retirement the family butcher said he plans on retaking up golf, a hobby he could not previously keep up due to commitment to the store.

He said: "my grandad opened the butchers before passing it down to my uncle and my father who passed it on to me.

"It has been a privilege to be here for so long and I have a lovely clientele.

“I was told I needed a knee operation over six years ago and it has recently got worse so I need to take the time now to get it fixed.

“The surgeon said I needed to take at least 12 weeks off after the operation and then I hope to retake up golf.

“Now I am 60 I believe it is the right time to shut up the shop and retire.

“I will be sad to see it go, the shop and Chingford have been a huge part of my life but I have had a great 45 years.”