Jim Tampin, the respected chief photographer of the Dorset Echo, will retire today.

After training as a photographer in the Army more than 30 years ago, Jim has since travelled the world during his career spending many years in Kenya and Zimbabwe.

During these expeditions, Jim had many unique experiences including covering Uganda's independence, shooting a feature film for the opening of Voice of Kenya TV and taking what he describes as his "best pictures" as a news photographer in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia).

Upon his return to England, Jim freelanced for the Sunday Times and then moved on to the Doncaster Telegraph and the Wiltshire weekly papers.

A move to the Western Gazette was followed by a transfer to the Dorset Echo 12 years ago where Jim became chief photographer.

In recent years, Jim has made trips back to Africa to photograph the wildlife that he loves in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Geoff Moore will take over from Jim as chief photographer.

Speaking about Jim's retirement, Geoff said: "We had a big dinner for him where all of Dorset's press photographers and some of Somerset's turned up. He is extremely popular.

"We've had a collection and bought Jim a voucher for a camera shop and a statue of a Masai warrior, something for him to keep as a reminder of his work.

"He wants to get out and about. He loves to go off to Kenya and take pictures and he will have more chance to do that now."

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