THE proud winner of this week’s Trader of the Week goes to one of Barrow Market's longest running traders.

Tom Robson junior of Robson's Chinaware stall in Barrow Market is part of a long tradition dating back 102 years.

His father Tom Robson senior first started Robson's Chinaware when he was only 17 back in 1917.

He opened his first stall then at Sunderland Market.

It was then in his twenties that Mr Robson senior moved to Barrow setting up two stalls in the old market, one inside and one outside.

At the time he also owned a shop on Paxton Street and following closure of that shop he then owned another based on Dalton Road where B&M Store is currently based.

His son Mr Robson junior, now aged 71, has been a part of the business since a child.

Looking back he could remember when some of the china was delivered in barrels and how he used to go inside as a child to get the ones near the bottom.

From selling mostly china and glassware he has had to work hard to adjust to ongoing trends and for the last 20 years the stall, now based in Barrow Market Hall, sells a range of gifts, for christenings, weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

Mr Robson would like to thank all his customers who have supported him and his family for all those 102 years.

He is planning to continue to run the shop with the support of his granddaughter Holly, an aspiring dentist, who helps out on Fridays and Saturdays.

Even after all these years Mr Robson still enjoys the buzz of the market and being amongst all the traders and customers.

He is well known and respected by everyone at the market.

Jacqui Armstrong, admin assistant at Barrow Market said: “I am thrilled that Mr Robson has been nominated for this weeks Trader of the week.

"Robson’s is a well known name in Barrow Market Hall.

"Mr Robson is a gentleman who always has time for his customers and fellow traders. He’s always such a pleasant man and he’s very knowledgeable about the history of the old market and local history.

"Mr Robson is a true professional, an expert at dusting and a very worthy winner"

If you would like to pay Tom a visit head down to Barrow Market Hall based in Duke Street.

He is open market hours Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9am - 5pm.

If you would like to nominate someone for Trader of the Week please contact our reporter Charlie Fox on charlie.fox@newsquest.co.uk with a reason why you feel they stand out.