A LONG-SERVING market manager who was suspended by his council employers pending an investigation has resigned.

Tom Jackson looked after the weekly open-air market in the centre of Barnard Castle, County Durham, and on non-market days worked as a pest control officer.

He was suspended by Teesdale District Council more than a fortnight ago, without the reason being made public.

Yesterday, it was announced that he had resigned and the matter was closed.

Mr Jackson, of Corn Close, Startforth, near Barnard Castle, could not be contacted.

Council chief executive Charles Anderson confirmed the resignation but declined to comment further.