A NEW butchers, featuring produce from around Ryedale, has opened with locals at its heart.

Chris and Nichola Hodgson, the owners of Farm to Fork Butchers, decided to open the butchers after seeing an opportunity at an empty shop in Bridge Street in Helmsley.

“We opened last Tuesday, and the response has been amazing,” said Chris.

“Customers are asking where our meat is sourced, which is a variety of our own beef and other Yorkshire companies.”

Chris and Nichola have a family farm in Newton-on-Rawcliffe, with more than 150 cattle.

Starting his career in a butchers, Chris then ventured into the abattoir business before deciding to open the Farm to Fork Butchers in the market town.

The couple source their own beef, alongside other produce, including poultry from T Soanes & Son, which is based in Driffield, DT Cowton, in York, which provides lamb, and eggs from Johnsons of Terrington.

“It’s all about supporting British farmers and British meat,” said Nichola.

The butchers also make homemade pies, with vegetables from Ryedale-based supplier Dale’s.

The shop will be also serving up bacon sandwiches in the upcoming weeks.

Chris said: “The future? See how it goes, the response and feedback has been fantastic.

“Butchers are still important in a farming community like Ryedale; it’s nice for customers to know where everything is sourced.

“I want to thank everyone for their support.”

For more information, visit the Farm to Fork Butchers group on Facebook.