A NEWS ANCHOR has presented his final show before starting his new role at ITV Meridian.

Matt Teale read the news on ITV central for the final time this evening before taking up is new role at ITV Meridian.

The 46-year-old will work alongside current presenter Sangeeta Bhabra.

His colleagues rushed to social media to wish him well in his new role.

Reporter and presenter Hannah Bechelet shared a video of the pair laughing in the studio with the message: “So very sad that tonight is @MattTeale’s last at @ITVCentral – meaning I won’t get to present with him again.

“It has been a total joy to share the studio with such a talent; I’ve learnt so much and laughed a lot too (as this shows)”

“@ITVMeridian and @SangeetaITV, you’re very lucky”

Cameraman Pat Fenelon said: “One of the nicest fellas I’ve worked with in TV @mattteale leaves @ITVCentral. Give the prog a watch to see his farewell.

“All the very best Matt you and the famalam.”

Matt will be taking the baton from long-serving ITV Meridian presenter, Fred Dinenage, who hosted the regional news show for almost 40 years.

The journalist, who comes from Gloucestershire, has been with ITV since 1997 working in the East and West Midlands.

He said: “Really excited to be joining the team at ITV Meridian as the main presenter alongside Sangeeta Bhabra from the end of January.

“Gutted to leave ITV Central and Forces News after so long, but it feels like the perfect time for new challenges.”

Fred Dinenage said on his retirement that it had been a “tough decision” to make.

He 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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