THE seventh National Butchers’ Week which starts today, is launching a new campaign to teach the internet generation how to shop for meat.

Dan Neal of Neals & Son Butchers in Tuckton, who took over the family business four years ago, says it is important to raise awareness of traditional butchery.

“There are not many of us left, although people are starting to come back to us now because they realise that they aren’t getting the same quality or value at many supermarkets.

“Many people just buy pre-packed meat and don’t know where it came from or how it is prepared.”

Dan will be demonstrating his butchery skills at the Christchurch Food Festival on May 10 and 11.

“I will butcher a whole lamb and a pig and go through all the different cuts of meat. I think it is important to keep these skills alive or they will be lost forever.”

Thousands of butchers throughout the country will be holding special events throughout the week.

Dozens of special recipes to mark National Butchers’ Week – all celebrating the UK’s rich heritage as a nation of meat lovers – can be found at nationalbutchersweek.co.uk