A RENOWNED butchers has appointed a key member of staff.

Cranstons, which has a store on Hexham’s Cattle Market, has appointed Martin Jones as deputy managing director.

Mr Jones will direct day-to-day operations of the food firm, overseeing its four food halls, two shops and production, plus help to shape the business’s future strategy.

He joined Cranstons in 1983 as a butchery apprentice and went on to manage its shops, before overseeing its flagship food hall when it opened in 2003.

He was made retail director in 2011.

Mr Jones said: “Cranstons is successful because of the hard work and dedication of our team, many of whom are long serving.

“I plan to build on that expertise and passion, developing our people and making sure we continue our strong history of evolving the business model to meet new customer expectations.

“Right now we are focused on further developing our food to go ranges with people consuming more and more food out of the home.

“I am keen to build on the success of our local produce food hall’s, if the right site came up that would mean a fifth food hall.”

Managing director Philip Cranston said: “We are thrilled to announce Martin’s promotion to the deputy managing director role.

“With over 30 years’ experience at Cranstons he brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and an unwavering enthusiasm for developing our team, products and shops.

“Martin has been instrumental in developing our local produce food halls since the millennium and is well respected by our loyal and long serving team.”

Cranstons is a long-established family business which has grown its reputation throughout Cumbria.

In April, Cranstons was the biggest winner at this year’s Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards, scooping the coveted outstanding contribution to Cumbrian food and drink prize.