TOMORROW will be the last day of trading for a butcher who has run his shop in Micklefield since 1988.

Keith Hill butchers in Micklefield Road has been serving the community for 26 years but he has now decided to retire.

Resident Dave Canning said: "Keith’s shop was not just a purveyor of fine meat products it was a: hub of sporting digest, political discourse, a hotbed for discussing local issues, chewing over some meaty morsels, meeting friends or just having a bloody good laugh.

"Keith has, during his 26 years of trading, been a tireless servant for the local community having campaigned on numerous local issues, given invaluable support and publicity to the NAG and saving Micklefield Library. "He’s helped keep the local Spotlight magazine keep going through thick and thin often delivering the lion’s share of them single handedly. More recently he has sat on the Marsh Micklefield Big Local committee. How on earth did he have time to be a butcher?

"Running a shop as a sole trader is a tough old job and after giving his best years (he’s never tried to be mutton dressed as lamb but even his curly locks have taken a battering) it’s about time for a rest. He’s left his mark on so many people with his love of life, enthusiasm, warm welcome, freely given advice (even if you weren’t expecting it), wit and kindness.

"If ever a man deserved the Freedom of Micklefield then look no further."

He wished Keith well for future who has a wife, Linda, and two children, Matthew and Stacey.

Wycombe District Councillor for Micklefield, Matt Knight, said: "Keith Hill has played an important role in the life of Micklefield for over a quarter of a century.

"His shop has become a focal point where people would not only go for meat but also to catch up on local news, to support campaigns, buy tickets or just to have a friendly chat.

"Through the way Keith has always gone the extra mile for Micklefield he has shown how much a local business can enrich a community. He will be sorely missed, as will his contribution to community life in Micklefield. I wish him well in his retirement."