Rod Brewster has retired from the Borehamwood and Elstree Times after 13 years as editor.

The 62-year-old put away his notebook and pen for the last time on Friday, following a farewell party attended by staff from across the Times Group, which also covers Hendon, Barnet and Edgware.

Rod began his career with the Times Group in 1958, aged 15, and worked as a photographer for more than 30 years, capturing images of the Queen and Queen Mother, Margaret Thatcher and The Beatles, to name a few.

In 1991 he was appointed editor of the Borehamwood Times, and during his time at the helm the newspaper scooped 11 awards, including Free Newspaper of the Year.

Rod said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Borehamwood. I will take with me a lot of happy memories from my years as editor."

Rod also has a passion for the community, and in 1996 he was elected to be an honorary member of The Rotary Club of Elstree and Borehamwood.

He also helped form the Elstree and Boreham Wood Museum in 2000, and was elected to the board of directors at Elstree Film and Television Studios.

Times Group editor John Killeen said: "Rod has done an enormous amount of good work for the community, from his early days as a photographer, through to his years as editor.

"He has also been great fun to work with. We'll miss the permanently sunny disposition and the jokes. I wish him a fun-filled retirement."

A successor to Rod is yet to be appointed.

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