THE FORMER manager of Hamilton's factory has opened his own butchers shop in Cowes.

Andy Brooke, 48, of Newport, managed Andy Gustar's factory on Dodnor Lane for three years, and after Andy's family recently sold the business following his death, Mr Brooke decided to take over the empty Cowes store on the high street.

The Butchers Shop opened on Thursday and sells top quality Isle of Wight meat.

Terry Twinberrow, former manager of Hamilton's in Cowes, is working in the new shop alongside Gerry Henshaw, former manager of the Wootton Bridge branch.

Mr Brooke said: "When the factory closed, it seemed like a good opportunity to try to do my own thing, so I've put everything into it. It's exciting but nerve-wracking too.

"It's great to have Terry and Gerry in the shop. People will remember their faces and between the three of us, we know all there is to know so we can help customers find what they are looking for."

Meanwhile, the former Hamilton's butchers in Wootton Bridge is also set to be transformed.

Plans to turn the High Street shop into an Italian restaurant, similar to Prego in East Cowes, have been lodged with the Isle of Wight Council and were unanimously supported by Wootton Bridge Parish Council at their meeting last week.