The Times and Star’s first ever Trader of the Week is Frank Peel and his team at Marshall’s Butchers.

Marshall’s Butchers in Workington is delivering its meats for free during the coronavirus outbreak, working tirelessly and travelling far and wide to keep the community fed.

Owner Frank Peel said: “All deliveries are free, we don’t charge anything to NHS staff, people in isolation and front-line workers, we’re only just covering our costs.”

The butcher shop on Corporation Road are making deliveries to Maryport, Frizington, Cleator Moor, even as far as Aspatria. But all deliveries are completed with strict hygiene regimes to prevent the spread of the virus.

Frank is working around the clock with a faithful team of 10. He said: “I wouldn’t be open if I didn’t have good workers, I’ve got some very loyal workers.”

He said: “It’s mainly telephone orders, taking out any where between 68 and 100 orders a day. We’re working 16 hour days.

“The phone rings from half seven in the morning and it sometimes still rings as late as six or seven at night.”

The shop is still open per government advice to keep providing essential services but Marshall’s Butchers are only allowing two customers in at a time and they have upped their hygiene regime.

“I am putting myself out there but I am taking this very seriously.”

Although stretched, the team are being recognised by their community for their hard work.

Frank said: “It’s quite scary but it’s very rewarding.

"We’re only a small family butchers, I’ve had to bring my wife in and ex-butchers.

“We’re getting some good reviews, good reports, children are giving us little drawings.

"We’re getting lots of cakes and chocolates.

“Quite a lot of customers said it’s not just the NHS workers who are providing a service.”

Frank runs the shop with his brother Sammy Peel and his nephew Samuel Jones Peel.

To place your order with the Corporation Road butchers call 01900 602710.