WHILE supermarkets have been taking a drop in meat sales, fuelled by the scandal of horsemeat and other contaminants being found in their products, the High Street butchers across the UK have been experiencing something of a boom time. Which is something that Brett Laity is hoping will continue - as he has recently taken over the Country Meat Butchers in Newerne Street in Lydney.

But shoppers were standing outside the shop in bemused amazement this week, when a new sign appeared in the window offering such exotic delights as zebra, alpaca, bison, camel and kangaroo meat, available as packs of steaks.

Speaking to the Review, Brett said: "People have been surprised, but they have been selling very well. I'm out of bison at the moment, but we should re-stock very shortly. The meat is also available as burgers too - zebra and apple, alpaca and apple, bison and onion, and kangaroo and onion."

"On the face of it they may look a few pounds more than people usually spend, but these are very special treats for people with an adventurous taste, I don't think people will buy this sort of meat every week."

He added: "One lady wants a mystery pack of steak with the label removed - so that she can taste it and then try and guess what it is!"

The shop can also supply even more exotic meats, such as crocodile and alligator, but the prices of these make them rather expensive.

Brett took over the shop two weeks ago from Bill Cousins in a private transaction, and says that trade is going well, with traditional British meat also selling, with wild boar and rabbit proving very popular.