Tributes to market's beloved family greengrocer

Customers and fellow traders have paid their respects to a family greengrocer who served a community for more than 70 years.

Robin Blair, of 150-year-old family business JJ Blair & Sons in Darlington Market, died on Monday aged 81, with the market announcing its indoor hall would be closed for the day "as a mark of respect".

His grandchildren Louise and Jamie said he was "hardworking" and "truly one of a kind", adding "we will miss him ever so much".

Hundreds of people also paid tribute, saying he was a "legend", an "absolute gentleman and the backbone" of the market, with fellow traders remembering how he would support them.

Ory Vanes, of Harry's Burger Joint, said: "I still remember when we first moved into the food hall and he came over, put his arm round my shoulder and said 'I'm Robin, I'll keep you right son'."

Victoria Clark, 43, originally from Darlington, remembered Blair as "warm, gentle and a good storyteller" when she worked at the market as a teenager.

She revisited the market recently and got talking to him again, where he recalled seeing his grandfather pull up with a horse and cart with goods to sell.

"His face lit up with this innocence and nostalgia, which was just so beautiful to see," she said.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen described him as "part of the fabric of the town".

Sarah-Louise Guy, who used to work with Blair, said they had some "great laughs".

"I'm pleased he got to celebrate his 80th birthday and that allowed him the opportunity to see just how well liked and respected he was by everyone who came in to contact with him.

"He was an absolute gentleman and the backbone of the Indoor Market."

She said he would now be "keeping heaven's plants and flower beds looking beautiful".

Similarly, Louise and Rory McCallum, from the town, said they would miss their chats about the plants they purchased from him.

"He never stopped giving out advice, whether it was to do with his fruit and vegetables, or plants and flowers, or just having a friendly chat with him over what your day has been like," Louise said.

She called for a dedicated plaque to be created in his honour.

"Robin was such a kind and gentle man, he was heart of the indoor market... he was a massive part of the community."

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