Lincolnshire journalist John Pinchbeck has decided to lay down his shorthand pencil at the end of this month.

A late arrival in newspapers, he began with the EMAP-owned Grantham Shopper, moving to the Grantham Journal as sports editor in 1985.

From there John, (left), went to edit the Sleaford Standard for a couple of years then moved across the road as South Lincolnshire reporter for the Lincolnshire Echo and Sleaford Target.

In 1995 John returned to the Journal. He relinquished his role as news editor in August this year to work on a number of special projects.

The past three months have been spent checking obituaries (to make sure he's not among them) and compiling local history books for the newspaper.

John said: "A heart attack last year brought home the message 'enjoy yourself – it's later than you think'.

"While I've enjoyed almost every minute in my chosen profession, and met some wonderful people both in and out of it, I now plan to enjoy life without the stress."

You can see John talking about his new books by clicking here.