AS market trader Robin Blair reached his 60th birthday this week, he reflected on how his business has changed since he started as a lad.

His family have run a fruit and veg stall in Darlington Indoor Market for 130 years and it has been handed down four generations.

Mr Blair, from Sadberge, has been working on the stall full-time for the last 45 years and runs it with wife Alwyn and daughter Alison.

Despite turning 60, he has no plans to slow down.

He said: "Even on a quiet day, the indoor market here is vibrant. Although as the years have got on, some things have become more difficult, I still intend to carry on.

"The first major supermarket opened in the town about 30 years ago, but we are still doing great business in the market. Many people choose this style of shopping because they get a much more personal, hands-on approach."

Mr Blair also praised chef Jamie Oliver for trying to get schoolchildren to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.

He said: "We are starting to see more of an interest in fresh produce again, which is great."