HISTORY is turning full circle with a village butcher stepping in to ensure the future of a 120-year-old Prestatyn High Street institution.

Anthony Collins, owner of Dyserth Butchers, will be expanding his portfolio and ensuring Prestatyn family butcher’s John Wilford Roberts will continue to serve the people of the town.

The shop’s current owner, John Roberts, is retiring next month after 40 years in charge of his family business.

And Mr Collins’ arrival will see a return to the two businesses being under the same proprietor, the shops having previously been owned by Mr Roberts’ father Kenneth, before he was called up to serve in the Second Word War.

Mr Collins – who will be working in both shops from Monday, February 5 – said: “It would be a crying shame to see Prestatyn butcher’s close.

“I believe there is a place for a butcher’s shop in every town, village and high street.

“People really like coming to their local butcher’s and I’ve already been told by some of my regulars they’ll miss the banter when I’m in the new shop.”

Mr Collins, 54, who is known as ‘Billy’ in Dyserth and Prestatyn, began working as a cleaner at John Jones and Son in his home town of Ruthin at 15.

He will celebrate 11 years in charge of Dyserth Butchers on February 18.

He added: “I’m really chuffed to be moving into Prestatyn.

“Dyserth has been such a nice place and people have really supported us, which has given me the confidence to take over John Wilford Roberts.”

Mr Roberts, 71 has spent 40 years running the business that was started by his grandfather Wilford Roberts, with his wife, Susan.

He said: “Part of the reason I wanted Billy to take over the shop was because of the historic link between the two businesses.

“I like how its reverse, and of course he has a good quality of customer in Dyserth.”

He added: “It’s a massive deal for Prestatyn. The town is growing, but it would be such a shame to lose a business with 120 years of history behind it.

“There are only two towns left in the area – St Asaph and Abergele, apart from Prestatyn and Dyserth – that still have a traditional butcher's."