Photographer Richard Besent has retired from The Citizen after more than 30 years with the Gloucestershire newspaper.

The 59-year-old said he had enjoyed a life in the "best job in the world", which has seen him capturing some unusual events for readers.

From streakers to Royalty, Concorde to traffic problems, Richard - known as Dickie to his colleagues - said he had enjoyed every moment of his time behind the camera.

He said: "You get to see many things from different perspectives and you come to know a little bit about a lot over things over the years."

But things didn't always run to plan, he said.

"During election night at Stroud a few years ago, myself and a colleague were photographing the General Election winner David Drew, and his supporters celebrating their victory.

"We stood on a table to get a better angle which promptly collapsed sending us both crashing to the floor.

"The first thing David Drew said was: 'Is the camera all right?'"

Richard joined The Citizen in 1975, after first working for the Dursley Gazette and Stroud News and Journal.

And as he embarked on his retirement, he said he would miss the buzz of being a Citizen snapper.

He said: "I've been in a unique position to view the daily goings on of Gloucester and its surrounding areas.

"I've enjoyed my years in one of the best jobs in the world."

Back to the photography index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or e-mail
patrick.astill@and.co.uk