IT'S sad to hear that Frankies pub in Darlington town centre is closing its doors for business on January 31, and I would like to thank Frank Bowman, his daughter Susannah and her husband Shaun Cosgrove for all the years of service that they have given to the Darlington drinking community.

Frank served me my first beer in The George when I was skiving from a Maths lesson at school in 1988, and if the authorities are reading, he didn't know how old I was at the time, and myself and many others followed him to Hogans, The Nags Head and then Frankies where he continued to pour me a pint of the finest ale in town.

I would like to take this opportunity in wishing Mr Bowman a long and happy retirement and wish Susannah and Shaun the very best of luck.

Thank you for the loyal service and the many laughs we all shared, the town centre won't be the same without you. Cheers, Frank.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.