ONE of the most loyal supporters of markets in North Yorkshire has decided to take life easier after 45 years in the business.

Greengrocer Colin Garner, 59, from Bedale, has been a familiar figure to market shoppers since he was 14, but his stall was established when he was still in his pram.

For business and health reasons, Mr Garner is pulling out of Northallerton and Leyburn markets, but will continue to attend Reeth.

The family story began when Mr Garner's father, Bill, bought a fruit and vegetable business run by Northallerton taxi proprietor Bert Dale, in 1949, and was joined by his wife, Doris, in running stalls at Northallerton and Leyburn. The firm is now the oldest trading at the Saturday market in Northallerton.

Colin Garner was allowed to leave school at 14 because he had a guaranteed job with his father, earning £1 a week.

He said: "I've got arthritis in my hands and am finding it very hard on an open stall, but I can cope with Reeth because I can stay inside the van and keep warm.

"My mother took me to markets when I was in my pram. Leaving them is like having my right hand taken away. It's all I know. I love the banter. My family owes everything it has to the markets and I will always stand by them. Market trade will always be there and I think it will come back in a big way.''

The family opened a shop in Bedale in the 1970s and Mr Garner wants to spend more time running it with his wife, Christine. His market business at Northallerton and Leyburn is being taken over by Avril Collett, who has worked for him for 22 years, and her husband, Anthony.

At Northallerton market yesterday, Mr Garner was presented with gift vouchers by Councillor Tony Hall, cabinet member for markets at Hambleton District Council.