"WHEN we first started out 30 years ago, the manager of our training pub had worked in Darlington, and he said 'if ever you get the chance to take the Red Lion, you should jump at the chance."

The advice was taken seriously by Jim Crackett, and his wife, Myra, who were reflecting on the early days yesterday, seven days before their retirement from the pub in Priestgate.

Their chance to take charge came in March 1986 - and they said the move to Darlington was one of their best.

"We have loved every minute and really enjoyed ourselves. It's a lovely pub and we are so pleased we listened to that advice all those years ago," said Mrs Crackett.

An electronic timer counting down to their last day was installed in the pub in January and as it nears its final minutes, the couple have been looking back with fondness.

They have become part of their own furniture - the walls are adorned with Mr Crackett's beloved Newcastle United memorabilia and their popularity is always evident.

From the minute they emerge from their flat above the pub, they are greeted by one and all. Customers, sitting in the corner enjoying a quiet pint, are quick to rise from their seats to say hello.

Despite not originating from the area - Mr Crackett hails from Amble, in Northumberland, and Mrs Crackett is from Glasgow - they now regard Darlington as their home, and their two sons and five grandchildren live nearby.

"We love it in Darlington, we've lived here for 17 years, it's home," said Mr Crackett. "It's changed quite a bit since we first got here - there were no Skinnergate bars as such then. There were a couple of pubs there, and then in the Market Square and Priestgate. It was like a circle where everyone went. It was really busy here then."

Despite the boom in town-centre bars since the 1980s, the Red Lion has retained many of its original customers.

"It's lovely, we've got a regular, local clientele, it's like a real local pub, which is nice in such a busy town centre," said Mrs Crackett.

"When we come down on a night, it's so nice to see everybody, you really build up a friendship with everyone. That's something you really couldn't do without."

Mr Crackett will turn 65 on October 30, and started thinking about retiring from the trade last year.

"It just seemed like the time to go. We have had some magical times here, but we have got other things in our life too," he said.

After they leave, spending time with the grandchildren is top of their agenda, and a cruise around the Mediterranean, Turkey, Cyprus and Eygpt is booked for next month. The couple are also Newcastle United fans and have bought season tickets this year.

But they will retain links with the pub. Mrs Crackett said: "We'll never be strangers to here. We love it too much not to come back regularly."

The couple are having a retirement party in the pub tonight from 8pm.