AN award-winning Pembrokeshire butcher has been awarded a major contract.

Andrew Rees & Sons Ltd of Narberth has won the contract to supply meat to Pembrokeshire County Council over the next three years.

The contract is worth £600,000 to the company over the period.

“This is great news for Pembrokeshire,” said Councillor David Pugh, Cabinet Member for the Economy.

“Andrew Rees is a great Pembrokeshire success story and the council is delighted to be working in partnership with the company to supply our school meals.

“This contract award means that of the council’s seven food and drink suppliers, six are now based in Pembrokeshire with the remaining one based nearby in Carmarthenshire.”

Andrew Rees & Sons Ltd was originally set up 25 years ago when Andrew Rees opened a butcher’s shop in High Street Narberth.

Over the years the business has expanded and, as well as the shop, it also includes a wholesale/catering unit in the town.

Together the business employs 22 people and has an annual turnover of £3million.

The new contract has enabled the firm to buy a new delivery van and take on an additional member of staff with more staff members likely to be recruited in the new year.

“We’re proud and honoured to have won this contract,” said Andrew Rees.

“It’s an important next step in the growth of our business and we’re grateful for the support of thecouncil’s catering and procurement teams in ensuring we were ready to respond to the tender process”.

Andrew Rees Butchers already supplies over 200 customers in Pembrokeshire including restaurants, hotels, pubs and nursing homes.