TO mark his retirement as Hardwick Park Warden, Alex Gibson was guest of honour at a lunchtime "farewell" held in the Boyne Room at Hardwick Hall hotel.

Work colleagues, park rangers, and Friends of the Park were among those attending. Tony Smith, countryside manager for Durham County Council, paid tribute to the work of Mr Gibson and introduced Carol Manton who, on behalf of her husband county councillor Ken Manton, made a presentation of a watch.

The Countryside Rangers presented a commemorative plaque and Jack Glendinning, chairman of the Friends, presented a framed engraving of a picture of the lake as it was in the 1700s with a brass plate recording the occasion.

Mr Gibson, who lives in Newton Aycliffe, thanked everyone for the gifts and said he intended to continue as a member of the Friends to retain interest in the park.