Pat Jenkins, believed to be Britain’s longest-serving butcher, has officially called it a day after 66 years behind the counter.
And with her retirement, at the age of 85, the shutters have officially come down on Masons butchers in Pokesdown.
Pat, pictured, said she would miss her customers the most.
She told Bournemouth One: “We’ve had some lovely customers, really loyal.
“We’ve always had a laugh with them, all of them, absolutely fantastic.
“Once they started coming here, years and years ago, they’re still coming, they’re still here, most of them are.
“We still have a laugh, that’s what you’ve got to do.”
Her son, Andrew, who also works in the shop, said his mum would have continued working into her 90s if they’d signed a new ten year lease.
He said: “She’s been there, all the time. Unbelievable.
“From 19 years old to 85 – and she would go to 95 if I said ‘yes. alright, we’ll sign another ten years’ but I can’t be doing that.
“It takes me to 70 and I’ll feel like a prisoner getting out of a life term.”
Andrew is now to work full-time as a gas engineer.
Pat said she had no specific plans for her retirement.