A BUTCHER who worked in South Africa during the apartheid regime has retired after almost 63 years in the business.

Harry Silver, 77, of Chalfont St Giles, served his last chop at the Hazlemere Food Hall, Park Parade, on February 23 which he joined 17 years ago.

He began his butchering apprenticeship at 14 in Odiham, Hampshire, but had to temporarily leave the job in 1942 when he was conscripted to the army.

When he returned to settle in Basingstoke five years later, his life took a different course of action after spotting an advertisement seeking butchers in South Africa.

He duly packed up and started work in a Durban butchers where he experienced first hand the effects of apartheid.

Mr Silver recalled: "It was a mixed butchers and I worked on the side of the shop where only white people were served.

"The coloured folk would use the other side of the shop, but we were all pretty friendly."

He returned to England in 1965 with his native South African wife, Elizabeth, and started work at Hazlemere Food Hall some years later.

He said: "It has been a fascinating job and I'll really miss the craft and the customers I know so well."