ON SUNDAY, one of Guisborough's most colourful and smartly-dressed characters left the town to join the country's best known old folks' brigade, the Chelsea Pensioners.

Bob Hoggarth, 72, first came to Guisborough as a police cadet in 1946, and after two years decided to joined the army.

Thirty years ago, former Household Cavalry Warrant Officer Hoggarth was a hand-picked member of one of the smartest regiments around - the famous Blues. He often guarded the Queen and other royals in gleaming armour, pristine uniform and campaign medals outside Whitehall.

Since his return to Guisborough in 1972, Mr Hoggarth has filled many official roles, including town mayor in 1990-1 and leader of the Tory group on the town council, as well as being a member of the Guisborough branch of the Royal British Legion which presented him with a tankard.

Both his sons are carrying on the army tradition: Andy, 34, is serving with the Coldstream Guards, and Julian, 32, is in the Life Guards.

Even though Mr Hoggarth has left Guisborough, it is not the last time the town will see him. He has made a promise to Dicky Roddam and the legion that he will return for this year's Remembrance parade.