VETERAN Warrington magistrate Reginald Peers passed judgement for the final time last week, after announcing his retirement from the Walton bench of Warrington magistrates' court.

Mr Peers, aged 70 today, Tuesday, was presented with a framed certificate marking his vast contribution to the magistrates' bench.

But the modest magistrate said he would rather have gone without any pomp.

He would have preferred to leave - after 20 years of loyal service - like John Wayne.

"I wanted to be like a hero in the Western films, and just ride off into the sunset," he said.

However, his colleagues would not let him go without paying tribute to his tenure, which began in 1982. Mr Peers worked his way up from a small Runcorn office to Manchester City Council, before becoming one of the best-known faces on the Warrington bench.

Among his many roles, Mr Peers was the chairman of the fines panel, the bench leader of the Cheshire panel, and acted as a mentor to prospective magistrates.

He said he was 'very sad' to be stepping down, but added that his wife had already lined up tasks for his departure.

But he still has his memories: "I remember dealing with one woman in her seventies on a shoplifting charge.

"Her husband spoke up for her and said that Arthur had driven her to it - and then added that Arthur was the best budgie they ever had."