TWO butchers have hung up their aprons after 42 years serving the community.

Dave Dring, 68, and his brother Bob, 71, have retired from their shop, Drings in Royal Hill, Greenwich.

They held a ball at the Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich, to say thank you to their customers for supporting them since they started in 1964.

More than 500 people, including family and friends, turned up to wish the brothers a happy retirement.

Dave, who is married with two grown-up children, said: "I'm sad but it's the right time to retire. I will miss meeting the people the most.

"The secret of our success is we offer a service which supermarkets can't provide such as giving boned meat and selling just English and Scottish produce."

Both brothers are looking forward to playing golf together at Sundridge Park Golf Club, Bromley, in their retirement.

Michael Jones, who owns the tea shop next door to Drings, will be taking over the business.

He said: "It's important to keep it going for the community."