A butcher shop which is one of the oldest and most loved businesses on the High Street has been taken over by two new faces.

Crumps Butchers, on Royal Wootton Bassett's High Street, was previously run by Andy Crump for 39 years after he took on the family business from his parents Jean and Keith.

The Crump family became recognised and well-loved faces in the town and have been praised for feeding generations of locals with their trusted meat.

But following Andy Crump's retirement on May 3, 2024, the baton has now been handed on to two new faces who are full of fresh ideas for the business.

James Kavara, the new owner of the butcher shop, is a Bassett local who has grown up in the town and worked at Crumps Butchers since he was just 13 years old.

Having grown up under Andy Crump's wing, James went on to take over the adjoining Crumps Cafe in 2020, rebranding it to the successful Butcher's Mate that it is today.

James will now run the butcher shop with his best friend and business partner Jack McGirr.

Swindon Advertiser: Jack McGirr and James Kavara are best friends who both bring a smile to the butcher shop.Jack McGirr and James Kavara are best friends who both bring a smile to the butcher shop. (Image: Newsquest)

"Jack and I have known each other a while and I'm honoured to get to run this butcher shop that means so much to the town alongside him," explained James.

"I met Jack when I moved to London for a little while. We became flatmates and friends and we stayed in touch even when I moved back to Bassett.

READ MORE: 'End of an era' as family butcher at heart of town retires after 39 years

"So when the opportunity came to take on the butcher shop, I asked if he wanted to do it with me and now here we are."

Crumps Butchers will now be renamed as JGK Butchers and Delicatessen, but the pair have assured that the heart of the business will remain the same.

Swindon Advertiser: K & EJ Crump and Son Butchers will now be renamed as JGK Butchers and Delicatessen.K & EJ Crump and Son Butchers will now be renamed as JGK Butchers and Delicatessen. (Image: Newsquest)

"We are bringing in a few changes, but Crumps already has a massive following as it is and so we're not doing anything to upset the customers of the local community," explained Jack.

"We're just bringing in a few new additions on top of what's already on offer. We have a lot of local butters and cheeses, and we're in the process of working on the charcuterie bits.

"We will also be bringing back beef on the bone again."

"Of course, Mr Crump is very supportive and we regularly see him and his mum Jean around the shop," added Bassett local James.

With summer just around the corner, James and Jack say they're now looking ahead to barbecue season and can't wait to get going.