Mr Fidler says he has been using imperial weights for 26 years

Martin Fidler of Bladebone Butchers in Bucklebury, Berkshire, was told a month ago by trading standards he had 28 days to start selling in metric.

He says that after 26 years he should not have to change to a system that would confuse him and his customers.

Trading Standards say they cannot test imperial scales with accuracy, and that Mr Fidler is breaking the law.

People who shop in Mr Fidler's shop would not be able to compare if he's good value, compared to the supermarkets that sell according to the law Roz Denny UK Metric Association

The UK Metric Association say customers cannot compare prices between stores unless they are all using a common system.

Mr Fidler said: "We've been using pounds and ounces for 26 years - why should we be made to buy new equipment, which we're not going to understand.

"I'm going to have to go and re-school myself on the kilo system, and reschool my customers - if they come in and ask me for a pound I've got to say no, you've got to ask for it in kilos or grammes."

Roz Denny, of the UK Metric Association said Mr Fidler could still display prices in imperial weights, so long as the metric weight was displayed alongside.

"People who shop in Mr Fidler's shop would not be able to compare if he's good value, compared to the supermarkets that sell according to the law."