TRADERS have gathered to pay tribute to the retiring manager of Darlington markets.
Albert Nowicki is stepping down after spending 25 years working in the markets, firstly as an assistant to Peter Wilson before taking over as manager in 2013.
Veteran greengrocer Robin Blair described Mr Nowicki as "a force for good for the market" who had earned the respect of traders by always being fair and supportive.
Mr Nowicki was presented with a framed caricature of himself outside the Victorian covered market by artist David Wright.