A LONG standing news anchor is leaving his post today after nearly 40 years.

After almost four decades, one of ITV’s longest serving regional news anchors, Fred Dinenage is hosting his last ITV News Meridian this evening.

The 79-year-old announced in October that he would be leaving his post at Christmas.

Fred is one of ITV’s longest serving regional news anchors and has anchored the 6pm flagship regional news programme across the south of England since 1983 working with presenters such as Fern Britton, Debbie Thrower and Natasha Kaplinsky.

Well-wishers have shared their fond memories of the presenter on social media.

Former launch and series director of Good Morning Britain and Peston Erron Gordan said: "Wishing the broadcasting legend @freddinenageITV a fantastic final programme @itvmeridian tonight alongside @SangeetaITV.

"I had the absolute pleasure of making this internal film with him at ITV in 2014 he is a true gentleman and I know will be hugely missed in the region."

At the time of the retirement announcement Fred said: "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.

"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 - fifty eight 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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