A RETIRED Bedale butcher has been thanked for his contribution to his trade association.

Bryan Cockburn, who used to run JB Cockburn and Sons in the town’s Market Place, was honoured at Monday’s trade dinner of the Northallerton and District Butchers’ Association.

At the event, at the Lodge at Leeming Bar, Mr Cockburn was presented with a bottle of port by president Duncan Haigh in recognition of his 25 years’ service on the national executive of the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders.

Mr Cockburn’s sons, Mark and Jonathan, now run the Market Place business which trades as Cockburns.

The dinner, sponsored by the Darlington & Stockton Times, was attended by more than 90 members and guests who enjoyed a threecourse meal, including roast beef provided by Robert White, of Morton on Swale.

Malcolm Warne, editor of the D&S Times, spoke about the importance of trade associations in difficult economic times and, in particular, the public meeting to be held next week in Northallerton about reviving the chamber of trade.

After-dinner entertainment was provided by comedian Martin Gold. A raffle raised £200 for Macmillan nurses.