A Hertfordshire-based journalist is celebrating after notching up 40 years in the business.

Comet news editor John Adams, (pictured left), started work for the paper’s predecessor, The Pictorial, in March 1967 as an 18-year-old cub reporter.

His first tasks included making weekly calls to local vicars and priests for wedding reports – and then writing them up.

John said: “They were what the bride wore and what the bridesmaids wore. I learnt a lot about wedding dresses!”

After serving his six-month probation, he signed up for a two-and-a-half-year apprenticeship, and began to work his way up the ranks.

He became chief reporter in 1973, a title that was later changed to news editor.

Decades later, John says he still gets satisfaction from working at the paper, which is now an Archant title.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed doing the job and the writing and sourcing stories.

“I still get a buzz from it. You never know what the day’s going to bring. You take satisfaction from producing a good paper as a team.

“I don’t feel like I’ve been here for 40 years and I think that’s because I enjoy the job.”

To mark John’s milestone, Comet editor Darren Isted organised a surprise presentation at the offices of Stevenage Borough Council, when Archant Herts & Cambs managing director Stuart McCreery presented John with a digital camera. The Mayor of Stevenage, Simon Speller, was also on hand to turn it into an official function.