SHOPPING centre manager David Ward has vowed not to slow down, despite taking early retirement.

Mr Ward is leaving the former Cleveland Centre, now called The Mall, after 33 years, 17 years as manager, to exercise racehorses for a local trainer. Horse racing is his main hobby.

Taking over the reins at The Mall, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, is David McNee, who has worked in retail for 15 years and was general manager of Freeport Stoke Ltd, a 140,000sq ft factory outlet shopping centre with 45 stores.

Mr Ward joined The Cleveland Centre as house engineer and became general manager in 1987.

He said: "I've spent 33 very happy years here and will be leaving behind a great team of staff who have supported me throughout my career.''

Mr McNee lives in Sedgefield with his wife Ruth and 17-month-old son Harry.