THE latest recipient of The Mail's coveted Bouquet of the Week is a beloved trader who has returned to work following an operation.

Peter Clark of Pete's Fruit and Veg in Barrow Market has been praised by traders after a long time away recovering after surgery.

He has run the stall in the market for around four years.

Pete, 60, underwent an operation on his gallbladder around five months ago and has been returning slowly as he re-cooperates.

He said nearby traders were pleased to see him back in the market after time away recovering.

"A lot of the traders have come and talked to me to welcome back.

"It's been really nice to be back.

"At the market we are all like a big family."

Pete has returned to work gradually following the procedure but plans to come back full time.

He was presented with the bouquet alongside staff member Tracey Wood, partner Margaret White and Lynn McKenna of Lynn's menswear.

Jacqui Armstrong, admin assistant at Barrow Market was also full of praise for Pete.

She said: "Peter is a very friendly and helpful trader in the market. He underwent a huge operation earlier this year and he battled away for a long time with his health to keep his business going.

"Peter is a very generous man and supports charities with donations of his produce and he also hands out fruit to the children who come to his stall.

"Recently Peter has made lots of positive changes to his business swapping plastic packaging to eco friendly boxes and bags.

"We have all missed Peter and on behalf of all our traders we are looking forward to welcoming him back and there's no nicer way to do it than him being presented with The Mail's Bouquet Of The Week."

Mr Clark is due to expand his business with an extra town centre retail unit to

If you would like to nominate a special person or group for The Mail's Bouquet of the Week, then please send your nominations and contact details to dan.taylor@newsquest.co.uk or call 01229 840175. Floral and Hardy in Ulverston provide the flowers.