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Mum rolls out red carpet for Hitman

Sue Carr
15/ 6/2005

RICKY Hatton may be well on the way to becoming a multi-millionaire, but it was business as usual for his mum as she returned to her Glossop market stall.

For the past three years Carol Hatton, 51, has worked on the indoor market running her carpet stall three days a week.

She said: "I love it and it keeps me sane. I don't want to give this up at all.

"I don't think there is any need to change. I know people are probably thinking, 'My god, why do it?' But I love my job."

Only days after celebrating eldest son Ricky's sensational world championship light welterweight victory, Carol was back at the market.

"The stall was run by my younger brother John until he died three years ago.

"I was working in Marks and Spencer and the family got together and we decided that I should take over the stall," she said.

Ricky is a regular at the market. But, despite the 26-year-old Hitman having a fearsome reputation in the ring, market caretaker Dave Shaw issued him a warning for when he next visits his mum.

Dave said: "The next time he's here he won't get away without buying his round of coffees. He'll still have to get them in next time he comes.

"I don't think any of this will change Carol, she'll always be the same girl. I have to say that because, if you think he's got a good right hook, you should see Carol's."

Fellow traders were not surprised to see Carol back at work and gave her a warm welcome.

Tricia Hayes, who runs a light stall, said: "Carol is the biggest joker in the market and I can't see her being any different. Everyone now recognises Ricky as a world champion but to us he's always been a world champion."