MARKET foreman Bill Hewitt is to retire from Darwen Market.

Bill, who started off his links with the market running his own stall -- Bill's Frozen Foods - will retire after his final day of work on Saturday.

Staff at Darwen Town Hall, the Darwen Town centre caretakers and Darwen and Blackburn Market staff have all said he will be missed.

Karen Turner, superintendent at Darwen Markets, said: "Bill has been on both sides of market work, he owned his own stall for many years and then began work for the council as foreman.

"This proved to be a very wise move as Bill had a great understanding of the needs of stall holders as well as the workload of the staff.

"Bill has a great belief in Darwen. In his time as a staff member he has been instrumental in the smooth running of the market and introduced many of the working practices in use today. He is a very popular face of Darwen Market with a recognisable cheeky grin and mop of curly hair. He will be truly missed by all."

Bill, 65, ran his stall in the Annexe market for 15 years before applying to work for the market.

He has worked as foreman for 11 years and has acted as stand-in superintendent on numerous occasions to cover for absences.

He is in charge of three market attendants and his duties include setting the daily work schedule, deputising for the market superintendent, letting stalls, handling inquiries from members of the public and addressing problems of stall holders.