Skipton Auction Mart foreman Royston Baxter is retiring after 14 years of unwavering dedication and commitment.

His impending departure at the age of 64 represents the end of an era, though he will be helping his Scottish successor, Alastair Dandie, settle in and find his feet.

Born in Rawdon, Royston was raised in farming circles.

He bought Outmoor Farm in Steeton, from where he ran a dairy and sheep operation until 1973. He went out of milking and moved on to sucklers and sheep, at the same time beginning his long association with the world of auction marts at Bingley, clerking and droving for William Lister.

In May 1989, Royston was approached by a director of Skipton Auction Mart and accepted the position of foreman at the old town centre mart in July that year, moving to the current site in June 1990.

If Royston has gained much from farming, he has certainly put a great deal back into it. He has been involved with the Young Farmers movement for 40 years, having held every position apart from president with Aire Valley YFC, as well as acting as chairman, secretary and treasurer of Skipton and District YFC.

A passion for collecting walking sticks - 40 at the last count - and a lifelong interest in the world of poultry will help keep him occupied during retirement.

He has witnessed many changed over the years.

"The quality of livestock has certainly improved a great deal," he said. "There have obviously been setbacks. BSE slowed the market down, then foot and mouth proved a real body-blow to both auction marts and the farming community in general.

"Marts continue to struggle to keep going as a result, though it is good to see that things are slowly picking up."

Royston's successor Alastair Dandie, 32, steps into his shoes on Monday after moving to Skipton from Kirkby Thore near Penrith.

Alastair is from a farming background. His parents, Alan and Mary Dandie, have a lifetime tenancy at Pumpherston Farm at Mid Calber, and Alastair worked on his parents' farm for 10 years after leaving school.

He has also undertaken college studies to gain a number of largely industry-related qualifications - the National Certificate in Agriculture, Certificate in Small Business Management, National Certificate in Countryside Management and Higher National Diploma in Game and Wildlife Management.

"I am really looking forward to the new challenge at Skipton," he says.

Alastair's wife, Lisa, comes from Colne originally. Her parents Stewart and Kathleen Brown have a small farm just outside Colne, as well as a butcher's shop in Barnoldswick.