A FAMILIAR face at Malton cattle market is celebrating his 90th birthday today (Wednesday).

Thomas "Tot" Collier was born into farming at South House Bransdale on February 10, 1926, where he would take over the farm from his father.

He and his wife Dorothy would work the farm together, building up the stock numbers to about 300 Swaledale ewes, as well as keeping cattle and pigs

In 1985 Tot and Dorothy moved to Kirkbymoorside, to the bungalow they had bought for their retirement. However, Tot, who had been a regular at Malton Livestock Market and annual sheep sales at Fadmoor, was soon head hunted to become a drover at the market and help with setting up sales.

Tot soon took up the challenge and was soon part of the Cundalls team dealing with the many farm sales up and down the valleys he was used to.

A spokesman for Malton Cattle Market said: "Tot was able to use his skills he had learned in farming to set up sheep pens and maintain the vast number of sheep hurdles required. No one could repair them like Tot.

"31 years later Tot is an important figure in the market and we wish him and Dorothy well for the future and we know Tot would like to be penning sheep in the new market.

"If anyone would like to call into the market to give him your best wishes and share a piece of cake, he will be very pleased to see you. Best wishes Tot, from all your friends and colleagues at the market."