A TRADITIONAL village butcher has pledged to put in the extra hours after being the victim of thieves to make sure that local residents don't go without their festive meats this Christmas.

Popular John York who runs J. York Butchers in Linford came into work at 6.30 this morning (Wednesday, 16 December) to find raiders had struck overnight, breaking into his shop on Buckingham Hill Road.

They cleared out fridges and freezes containing meat that John had spent more than 30 hours preparing for customers for Christmas.

They stole turkeys, chickens, beef, lamb and other joints of meat worth thousands of pound, but more than the money, it's the time that he will have to put in to make sure that no one is let down that shows the measure of Mr York.

Clearly distraught but still putting a brave face on things, he told Thurrock Nub News: "People who hear about this and have meat ordered shouldn't worry, I will make sure no one is let down, it just means doing all that work again but looking after local people is what we do here so we will ensure everyone gets their meat and birds.

"I have already spoken to my suppliers and they are going to pull all the stops out."

Anyone who is offered any cheap meat in the area, or who knows anything about the robbery is asked to let John, police or Thurrock Nub News know. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers.