'We can't thank him enough': Here's how readers reacted to SAS star Ant Middleton saving 'wonderful' Portsmouth butchers set to close due to shocking energy bills

Longstanding city butcher Paul Cripps thought the cost of living crisis would shut his shop for good on Christmas Eve but now his SOS in The News has inspired an SAS rescue operation from a Portsmouth celebrity.

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Longstanding city butcher Paul Cripps thought the cost of living crisis would shut his shop for good on Christmas Eve but now his SOS in The News has inspired an SAS rescue operation from a Portsmouth celebrity. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Paul Cripps, a butcher for more than 40 years, thought the cost of living crisis would put his shop Tangier Road Butchers out of business, as he faced eye-watering energy bill hikes.

With bills rising from £690 a month to £2,660, it looked likely that the site would not longer house an independent butchers for the first time in 93 years.

But now Portsmouth-born Ant Middleton, the star of Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Wins, has come to the rescue with some life-changing support after seeing The News’s coverage.

Ant Middleton said he was moved to support the Tangier Road Butchers after reading of its plight in The News.

And residents cannot thank the army-veteran-turned-TV-star enough.

Posting on social media, one resident said: ‘We here in Baffins cannot thank Ant enough for his generosity.

‘For me, Paul is one of the best butchers around and not only that he is a wonderful human being.

‘Knows most by name and always ready for a chat. Great that the 100 year goal is now achievable.’

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Others offered their praise – and said that they have already place their Christmas orders.

Another reader commenting on social media said: ‘My partner loves this butcher shop, and we always buy their wonderful home made pies, sausages, and BBQ meats. He is just such an unique service.

‘We have of course placed our Christmas Chicken order.

‘I do hope he stays with the community.’

And readers called on fellow residents to rally around independent traders like butchers, working hard to serve the community.

Another reader posting on social media said: ‘This good news for local butcher's Paul Cripps, who is a friend and popular man in Baffins community.

‘Hopefully Ant Middleton can supply enough funds to help energy cost through next year. We should all support our butchers. Fresh meat and eggs. You can't go wrong.’

Mr Middleton, who was chief instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins from 2015 until 2021, said he plans to visit Paul at his butchers shop before Christmas.

His generosity deserves reward, according to one reader commenting on The News’ coverage.

They added: ‘You will be rewarded. What goes around, comes around.’