A DARLINGTON shop went back to its 1950s roots to celebrate over half a century of trading in the town.

In 1954 Seymour Borlant, 77, swapped professional singing to set up an auctioneers’ stall in Darlington market and opened one of the first furnishing stalls on the Saturday market.

In 1984 he moved to the covered market to open the Seymour’s of Darlington shop and to celebrate his time in the town, he hosted a 1950s day on Saturday with a competition for customers to bring in their oldest items bought from the shop.

A 1950s-style buffet was provided by Foffano’s restaurant, and Seymour’s operated a market stall on High Row in homage to its roots.

Mr Borlant, who started out as a singer and toured with many 1950s stars including Cliff Richard, Marty Wilde and Billy Fury, said the day had been a hit with customers.

He admitted that moving from showbusiness into the market trade did seem quite a leap, but he said the two professions were more similar than some might think.

“It was a departure from showbusiness to set up a stall in the market, but being an auctioneer and on the market was a bit like showbusiness; you are still performing, and I always enjoyed that.”

Mr Borlant retired from running Seymour's about 10-years-ago and his son Jeremy, 41, now runs the business with help from Mr Borlant’s wife Andrea, 66.

The winner of the oldest item competition is expected to be drawn on Monday (November 12) and will win a three-course meal for two at Foffano’s.