One of Powys' oldest family-run butchers has closed after almost 150 years serving the Newtown community with top quality meats.

Well-known business William Jones & Sons, also known as Bill the Butchers, closed for the final time on New Year's Eve (Saturday, December 31), blaming a "huge increase in energy costs".

The butchers shop, which was established in 1876 during the reign of Queen Victoria, had been a constant in Newtown's High Street and will be missed by their loyal customers.

Owners Ruth and Mark Jones announced the closure to customers saying it had been a pleasure to serve them over the years and have urged people to continue to support local businesses.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the definitive closure of William Jones & Sons, with effect from the 31st of December 2022.

"There are various reasons for our decision, but the most significant one, by far, is the huge increase in energy costs.

"As we hang up our stripy aprons for the last time we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our many, loyal customers for their support over the years.

"We would also like to thank all members of staff, past and present, who have contributed to our success. It would be remiss of us not to mention one in particular, Phil Baker, our longest-standing employee and to whom we wish a very long and happy retirement.

"It has been a pleasure serving you. Our final wish is that you please continue to support local businesses, as will we."

Employees and customers shared their sadness about the "iconic" butcher shop closing. One employee said "the town will have no character to it as time goes on" while another customer said "if we don't use them, we lose them".

Customer Graham Griffiths said the closure of the High Street shop is a "tragic loss" to the town.

"Of all the shopkeepers the general public deal with, the butcher is the most critical. From the cut of bacon to the selection of the Sunday joint, the butcher has the most influence on our diet and wellbeing by the quality of his products. The Jones window always held temptation: burgers, kebabs etc. in addition to the normal cuts of meat. Mark Jones was at the top of his trade and profession producing sausages, pies etc. in the traditional way. and therefore will be sadly missed."