ITV’S longest serving regional news anchor, Fred Dinenage, is to leave Meridian after nearly four decades.
The news anchor confirmed he’d be leaving his role this Christmas, aged 79.
He told ITV: “After almost 38 years co-presenting the ITV six o'clock show in the south and south east I've finally decided to hang up my microphone.
"It's been a really tough decision but I now want to spend a few years with my wife, Beverley, and our three dogs smelling the roses in my garden and spending time in the mountains of Austria.
“I will be continuing with my crime programmes and ITV's How! and writing books, including one recently commissioned.
“But now I feel it is the right time to move on. I will miss my dear co-presenter, Sangeeta, and my colleagues at ITV Meridian terribly.
“And, of course, I will miss our wonderful viewers who have given me such incredible love and support for so long.
“I've been so lucky in my life and career – f58 years working non-stop on regional and network programmes with ITV and I've been blessed by having a truly special family.
“So, to everyone - thank you."
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