Long-serving Bristol Evening Post journalist Roger Burton has retired.

The 55-year-old, who joined the Evening Post in 1972, spent many years reporting from the city's Crown Court - and on his last day on the press bench members of the court paid tribute to him.

Before the day's business began, Judge John Foley addressed the court staff to express his personal thanks to Roger.

He told the court: "Today is Friday the 13th of June.

"It is also the final day of distinguished legal affairs correspondent Roger Burton who has been in the business for 35 years, 31 of those with the Evening Post.

"It is so important to have journalists of real integrity who do not mislead the public or go down the tabloid route.

"And so I thank him for maintaining his standards and for assisting with the criminal justice system."

Evening Post editor Mike Lowe said Roger would be missed as much at the courts as at the paper's headquarters.

He said: "Roger is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable court reporters in the regional press.

"He has handled a very difficult and challenging job in a masterful fashion. His hard work, accuracy and dedication will be sorely missed."

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