AN ADORED butchers branded the "heart of the community" has closed after 70 years.

Beloved East Runton Butchers in Cromer first opened its doors in the 1950s and has been serving customers ever since.

Gutted customers said their last goodbyes to the local business as it shut for the final time on Tuesday, October 31.

Long-time owner Brian Hodgett announced his retirement after nearly 30 years at the shop.

The 76-year-old, who has worked as a butcher since the age of 16, said he is said to let his loyal customers go.

Mr Hodgett said: "I'm feeling very much mixed emotions.

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"The people who shop here aren't just customers, they're friends.

"I have a very loyal following and I'm very thankful for all of the support over the years."

Mr Hodgett revealed he will now spend his retirement walking the dog and looking after his wife. 

Runton Parish Council clerk Barbara Emery said the shop has been running in the village since before the 1950s. 

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She said: "Brian has kept it going all these years – he's kind, generous and funny.

"People from further afield and holidaymakers relied on him as well as locals. 

"We'll miss him terribly and it's a sad fact that no one wants to take these businesses over in little villages."

It comes as another popular butcher’s shop confirmed is closing down having served locals for 135 years, leaving customers heartbroken.

CN Wright Butchers, in Codnor, Derbyshire, first opened its doors in 1888 and has been run by five generations of the same family.

In an announcement, the shop will now shut on November 4 with Arthur and Julie Wright starting their “well-deserved retirement”.

Meanwhile, Quality Butchers Dunbar, East Lothian, closed its doors for the final time following their hardest year yet.

Owner Peter Whitecorss placed a sign in the window of the store last week, informing customers of the closure.

Elsewhere, a butcher that has been trading from the same premises since 1890 has shut up shop for the final time.

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GH Porter Provisions in Nottinghamshire announced the news on social media stating the decision to close was with "great sadness".

Tom Blakemore, owner of the Newark butchers, said the business could not continue as they had "simply run out of money".

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