Staff at the Daily Echo in Bournemouth have said a fond farewell to one of its “genuine legends”, with the retirement of executive editor Peter Tate.

The paper’s letters editor and environment correspondent has given up his long-suffering keyboard after 30 years of working for the paper.

Peter joined the title on July 14, 1975, after 18 years at the South Wales Echo.

During his 30 years in Bournemouth he has held the posts of chief sub-editor and deputy editor, and was in charge of the subs team when American author Bill Bryson spent two years at the paper.

Peter and his wife Lesley

Peter has worked under five editors, a regional editor and a managing editor. He has also penned a number of books himself – the New Forest is one of his favourite subjects – and had published four novels before he even joined the paper.

He is also highly respected for his legal and journalism training expertise, both inside and outside the Richmond Hill building.

Editor Neal Butterworth said: “It has been a privilege to work with Peter and few journalists are as highly respected.

“He has given immense support in the seven years I’ve been editor and we will miss his wisdom.”