A VETERAN trader credited with revitalising business in Bishop’s Waltham has been crowned a ‘High Street Hero’.

John Grover was given the honour in support of the town’s bid to be named high street of the year.

The 80-year-old, a founding member of Bishop’s Waltham Town Team and occasional town crier, has been involved in high street events for decades.

Tony Kippenberger, town team chairman, said the butcher played a key role in rejuvenating the “run down” Chamber of Trade on his arrival in 1984 and has seen it return to good health.

“He’s just one of those characters that any high street should have – one of those splendid local characters,” he said.

Bishop’s Waltham has been shortlisted in the Great British High Street of the Year’s market town category, with results due next month.