Chris Hickland ran the £2 stall at the popular NI marketChris Hickland

A Northern Irish market has paid tribute to a long time trader following his sudden death on Christmas Eve.

Tributes have been made to Chris Hickland, who ran the £2 stall at Nutts Corner Sunday market for many year, following his passing on Wednesday, December 24, at his home in Lisburn.

He has been described as a gentleman who will be sorely missed by his family and friends alongside his fellow traders and customers.

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Nutts Corner Sunday Market said on social media: “Nutts corner Sunday Market would like to pass on its condolences on the passing of one of its long time traders Chris Hickland, Chris and his wife Teresa ran what is known as the £2 stall,he was a man who always had a smile on his face and when you saw him coming you knew he had another joke to tell, Chris you where a gentleman and will be sadly missed by all your fellow traders and customers.”

A tribute post on Funeral Times said: “Dearly beloved husband of Teresa. Dear son of the late Paddy and Patricia. Much loved brother to Stephanie, Marion, Barry and the late Patrick. Loving brother-in-law to Peter, Bernadette, Deirdre, Dermot, Geraldine and the late John, Anne, Seamus and Ambrose RIP. Loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. “Christopher will repose at home from Sunday evening. “Requiem Mass in St. Joseph’s Church Chapel Rd, Glenavy, Crumlin BT29 4LX on Tuesday 30th December at 11am with cremation in Roselawn Crematorium on Wednesday 31st December at 8.40am. “No flowers please. Donations, if desired, online via www.ronniethompson.co.uk, or cheques payable to Air Ambulance N.I. c/o Ronnie Thompson Funeral Directors 20 Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 1UF. “Sadly, missed by entire family circle. “Sacred heart of Jesus. Have mercy on his soul.”

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