A FAMILY-run Blackburn butchers is 'top of the chops' after celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Pickup Butchers recently became one of the few traders in Blackburn Market to reach the milestone.

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It first opened its doors in 1956 and has been run by the same family ever since.

Keith Pickup, the second generation of the family to take the reins, has ran the butchers since his father's death 32 years ago.

He said: "I took over from my dad in 1984 when he died unexpectedly.

"I was 25 years old and got thrown into the deep end.

"I had worked for my dad since I left school in 1975."

It has become a staple shop for many on their weekly shopping in the market and Mr Pickup said he 'takes pride from offering quality, freshness, value and service'.

He said: "The business has evolved over the last 60 years but it very much follows the traditions of a typical butchers' shop.

"Over the decades, we have formed a solid customer base who regularly visit Blackburn Market for our products.

"It's a friendly, bustling environment and I am proud to be trading there to this day.

"I am proud that the business has done so well over the last 60 years and I am hopeful our success will continue in the future."

Harriet Roberts, manager of Blackburn Business Improvement District, said “Congratulations to Pickups on this special anniversary.

"Blackburn Market is full of traditional traders, many of whom have been in the town for many years and it is good that many of them are going from strength to strength.”

The meat traders is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and can be found indoors between chicken specialists S Parr and Sons and fellow family butchers Greens (Blackburn) Ltd.