Q: What’s the best way to stop a car seat from sagging?

A: Stuff a few old Lincolnshire Echos underneath!

That was the helpful answer for one of the Echo’s former MDs, in his impressive company car – thanks to publishing and distribution manager Bob Hodson, who has taken early retirement at the age of 57.

He recalled the story at his retirement presentation, adding that the pile of Echos was still under the seat and protecting the webbing when the MD won his promotion and moved on to London.

Bob told his colleagues that the car had a recurring problem and went in for repair almost every week.

But he said: “I lifted the seat up and put a bundle of Echos underneath, and he never had any problems with it again.”

He joined the Lincolnshire Echo in 1971 as a newspaper sales representative after working at a number of other jobs, including a spell as a panel beater and 18 months in the Merchant Navy.

Bob became newspaper sales manager in 1977 and went on to become publishing and distribution manager.

He has seen a move from the old premises in St Benedict’s Square to Brayford Wharf East and the development of the Target series of free newspapers, which meant he became responsible for their 147,000 distribution run.

Bob told his colleagues: “I am proud to have been associated with the highest circulation ever achieved at the Echo and the highest distribution of free newspapers in the country.”

During his 29 years there he has worked under five managing directors and nine editors.

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