A FAMILY-run butchers which has seen a big increase in customers is set to triple in size.

C.J.Gibbons Family Butchers, which has been in Hay-on-Wye for 33 years, has bought new retail space on Castle Street, just a few doors down from its current shop.

The premises will undergo a refurbishment and the space will be used to expand the product range available to customers, as well as incorporate a deli and bakery area.

Geraldine Like took over as owner of C.J.Gibbons Family Butchers five years ago. Her father Christopher Gibbons founded the business in 1984, employing just one member of staff.

They now employ four people, and the new shop which will open in March next year, will create four jobs. The firm received a £390,000 business loan from NatWest.

Geraldine said: "We’ve seen a massive increase in customers, which means we now need a bigger retail space. Thanks to financial backing from NatWest we’ve found the perfect premises to accommodate our growing needs."