A BUTCHER who spent almost 50 years in the same job said he has "loved every minute of it".

Stuart Sheehan, 64, started work as an errand boy for Mailes Brothers butchers in Hereford's Buttermarket in 1966.

Despite that being 48 years ago, Stuart says he "remembers it like it was yesterday".

This week he recalled leaving school to be offered a job at the butchers where he trained as an apprentice.

Thirty years ago Stuart took over the running of the business, which will now carry on under new management.

He says there is nothing else he would rather have done.

"My last day was very nice but also very sad. After so many years of getting up for work it was strange to wake up and not have to go," he added.

"I've got a lot of lovely memories from serving the public for so many years and I've met some great people.

"I don't think I could have done anything nicer if I'd tried. I have thoroughly enjoyed every day that I went to work, and I've worked alongside some fantastic people."

Stuart plans on spending more time with his family in Spain and Wales, and more hours on the golf course.

As past president of Hereford Lions Club, he will also be involved in a youth exchange project in October with students from Holland.