The steaks are high for a good turnout when two Coronation Street stars officially open a new butchers in Chester.

This Saturday, (April 11), the public are invited to a special meat and greet with Steven Arnold who played butcher Ashley Peacock in the soap for 15 years, and Andrew Whyment, who still plays former trainee butcher Kirk Sutherland, as the pair open the new Wayne Walker Quality Meats branch at the Forum Shopping Centre.

And whether you have a T-bone to pick with the actors, or just want to rib them about something - you won't have to mince your words because the pair will be mingling with the public from 11am-2pm, signing autographs and posing for selfies.

Danny Smith, Wayne Walker Operations Manager, said Steven and Andrew were chosen to open the new Chester store because of their characters' links with the butchery trade.

“It seemed appropriate to invite two popular TV characters who have strong links with the trade that we have been in for years," he said. “Both characters are high profile and we are confident their presence will attract the interest of the public.

Also present on Saturday will be Wayne Walker himself, who founded the multi-million turnover business which has headquarters in Burslem, near Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr Smith explained: “The opening of the new branch at the Forum is an important part of our on-going expansion. The company began 21 years ago as a chilled pre-packed meat sales business initially serving 17 different local markets across the country. Today we are a rapidly growing 80-plus employee business.

“Obviously we have a very successful store in Burslem where our head office is based. However, thanks to our expansion programme, we also have an equally successful store in Bolton and we are convinced Chester will be just as popular.

“We are currently finalising plans for the opening of new stores in Birkenhead, Newcastle under-Lyme and Shrewsbury," he added.

Forum Shopping Centre Manager Lawrence Allen said: “ As always, the Forum is delighted to be able to welcome a new store to our fold.”