A MAN often referred to as "Mr Guisborough" has been named as the town's citizen of the year.

Estate agent Roger Darnton, whose offices are in Westgate, was presented with the award at last night's Guisborough Town Council meeting.

He was nominated for the title by Coun Bill Clarke, the chairman and Mayor of Guisborough.

Mr Darnton was born into a long-established Guisborough family who have lived in the town since the eighteenth century and traded as butchers there for seven successive generations. The long list of service he has given to the town includes lengthy spells as a server and sacristan at the parish church and membership of the parochial church council.

He was a founder of Guisborough Museum in 1989, where he is still honorary curator and chairman.

A former governor of Kemplah Park Primary School in the Eighties, he has been a foundation governor of Prior Pursglove College since 2001.

Mr Darnton also gives talks, lectures and guided walking tours depicting the history of Guisborough and has written a book entitled Around Guisborough, due to be published soon.

Coun Clarke said: "After nearly a quarter of a century of public service to the town, Roger has become something of a local institution and not surprisingly is often referred to as simply Mr Guisborough.

"As well as his formidable knowledge, he has a deep and genuine love for the town and its people.

"He is always striving in his own small way to protect and pursue the best interests of Guisborough and its inhabitants."

Mr Darnton said the award had come as a surprise. "I was very humbled and overwhelmed by it," he added.