Adam Trimingham, the Sage of Sussex and The Argus's best-known journalist, is to retire next month.

Adam, who will leave the newspaper on his 62nd birthday, has spent 30 years at The Argus covering local government, planning and community issues.

His features and columns have generated thousands of letters to the paper and won him numerous journalism awards.

Adam, who lives with his wife and daughter in Hove, also won praise from politicians.

David Lepper, MP for Brighton Pavilion, this week laid down an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons as a tribute.

It reads: "This House congratulates Adam Trimingham, of The Argus, on his 37 years of reporting on life in Sussex, in a career marked by high standards of professional integrity, combining the ability to be controversial and thought-provoking, respect for people, places and events about which he writes ... and daily dips in the sea.

"We wish the Sage of Sussex a long, happy, interesting and prosperous retirement."

The motion has already been supported by Des Turner, MP for Brighton Kemp Town, Peter Bottomley (West Worthing), Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne), Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs), Michael Foster (Hastings and Rye), Greg Barker (Bexhill and Battle) and Charles Hendry (Wealden).

Although Adam will retire from day-to-day reporting, he will continue contributing to The Argus.

Simon Bradshaw, editor of The Argus, said: "Adam is a prolific writer with the energy for stories of a reporter half his age.

"His years of experience have made him wise, knowledgeable and a writer with great authority."

Dr Turner said: "Adam has set an example to his profession by his scrupulous fairness and attention to seeking the truth."

Adam joined the Brighton and Hove Herald in 1967 and went on to the John Connor news agency before making his last move, to The Argus, in 1974.

He covered the inquiry into the case of Maria Colwell, the seven-year-old battered to death by her stepfather, the bombing of The Grand hotel in 1984 and most major events since.

Home Office minister Lord Bassam of Brighton said: "Adam has faithfully reported local government business without side or spin.

"Readers of The Argus who follow his reports have found themselves informed and given a grasp of the essentials of issues he covered.

"Many of us in local politics owe him a debt of gratitude."

Adam plans to spend more time walking, cycling, swimming and cultivating his allotment.

He said: "I have been a reporter since 1960 and my role at The Argus was my ninth job.

"I shall miss my friends but it is time to go."