TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular market trader who has died aged 63.

Billy Borthwick had run a second-hand book stall on Darwen’s three-day market since 2006.

Devastated former traders spoke of their sorrow at the loss of a ‘gentle’ man who was universally popular.

It is believed Mr Borthwick, who moved to Darwen from Scotland more than 20 years ago to work in the mills, had suffered a short illness.

Mr Borthwick, of Mayfield Flats, leaves behind a brother, Tom, who still lives in Scotland. The pair had also suffered the loss of their mother only five months ago.

Markets manager Gwen Sangster said: “Billy was a great character who epitomised the market. He was a gentle man who is already greatly missed. He opened his stall selling books, old magazines and sheet music in 2006 and settled in very quickly.

“He was one of the real characters here. Billy tended to think of other people a lot and would do his best to help anyone.”

Tributes also poured in from fellow traders who said they would miss their friend and colleague.

Fragrance stall holder Christine Whittaker had the stall next door to Mr Borthwick and was a close friend. She said: “Billy was one of a kind. We will miss him greatly.”

Bakery ‘Tease Your Tastebuds’ boss Julie Ingham said: “He was a lovely man who was always helping people out and nothing was too much trouble for him.”

Shirley Pilling, who runs the card stall, said: “No-one could have met a nicer man, always helping anyone he could.”

And lingerie and underwear stall-holder Alison Turnbull said: “Billy had a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone.”

The funeral is at Pleasington Crematorium next Wednesday at 11am.