IT'S a 'dream come true' as a third generation butcher opened his own shop in Dorchester town centre.

Michael Quinn's Traditional Family Butchers opened in the Hardye Arcade on Friday, December 1.

It takes the place of the County Town Butchers, whose owner has retired.

The new butcher is owned by Michael Quinn, from Crewkerne in Somerset. He used to work for Rawles Butchers in Bridport before finally taking the plunge to fulfill his dream of having his own shop.

Mr Quinn's family have been butchers for three generations and he is thrilled to be able to put his family name on a local shopfront. He said: "I always wanted to have my own shop, so it is a dream come true.

"I have been a butcher since school, so about 13 years, and this is kind of a family thing of ours.

"My family had a shop over in Belfast and then when my parents moved here. This is my family's first shop in this part of the woods."

Mr Quinn will be joined by family, including his ten-year-old daughter Lara and two part-time staff.

He plans to have longer hours, home deliveries, pies and pastries and other new ideas that he has brushed up against and seen succeed in his time as a butcher.

"My daughter will be joining me in running the shop, I will be showing her the trade and, if she is interested, passing it down to her one day to do whatever she wants with it," added Mr Quinn.

"I am excited to get started. Dorchester was missing a vital shop to the area when the County Town Butchers closed and it seemed like a good idea to come on in and work for myself,"

"All produce will be fresh within 30 miles of the shop. Local food for local people. A lot of people are very interested, already I have started to get orders and we haven't even opened yet.

The butchers will feature prize competitions and meat packs. It will deliver to: Dorchester, Crewkerne, Yeovil, Bridport, Weymouth, Portland and all surrounding areas.

To get in contact ring: 01305 608445