WARRINGTON Market's former manager has left the site in 'safe hands' following 17 years of commitment – as efforts to make it the 'best in the UK' progress.

Stephen Pickering, from Padgate, officially retired from the post on December 31 and made way for new man Andy Ward.

The 55-year-old initially took on the position temporarily but has never looked back since getting it full-time.

It has been a memorable spell, with the most rewarding arguably coming when the site won the 'Best Market in the UK' award in 2009.

He said: "I have worked for the council for more than 28 years and spent the last 17 years as manager – it has been most enjoyable and rewarding.

"I took over when we did not have a market manager and looked after it for a few months before falling in love with it.

"It was something different. At that time it was more vibrant.

"A market can only be as good as the people in it – that is why in 2009 Warrington won the award.

"What other job would give me the opportunity to sit in a Formula One car, an X-wing fighter jet, a DeLorean time machine, a spitfire and to also ride on the back of a camel around the town centre?"

Stephen is predicting a successful spell for Andy after leaving the market in his 'safe hands'.

He added: "Markets are in decline but we have to adapt and keep up with the times.

"We have made it fun here – we have fantastic traders. I do consultancy work for other authorities so I can see where others are failing.

"It has been a learning curve. The intention was to make it the best market in the country and we are getting there.

"I am retired now, I am knackered. For now, I will just be running a national diploma training course for market management.

"I am delighted that Andy has taken on the role."

Andy, from Penketh, has no doubts the new site can become the best in the country following the £107 million town centre generation.

The 57-year-old, who has 25 years' experience of operating retail and wholesale markets, including 18 years as head of Sheffield Markets, is relishing the challenge.

He said: "It has every chance of being the best market in the UK. I think I can identify what things need changing to help make the difference.

"We are building a positive future. The new market will be a more compact building and will be an attractive site."