A former Southern Daily Echo journalist has been thanked for his work at a special lunch held by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

Peter East, who now works as a reporter on the Romsey Advertiser, was invited to Lord Montagu’s ancestral home, Palace House, for the event.

The peer presented Peter with a framed picture of the Beaulieu Estate and thanked him for his coverage of the Beaulieu area during his 17 years at the Echo’s New Forest office.

Peter, (pictured right), who was accompanied by his wife Pat to the lunch, said: “It was a terrific honour and a total surprise.

“Lord Montagu is a very personable chap and someone with whom I’ve had quite a lot of contact over the years.”

Peter joined the Echo in 1967 when it was still based at Above Bar and worked on the sportsdesk for 20 years before becoming chief reporter at the New Forest office.

He retired from that position in March when he moved to the Romsey Advertiser where he now works three days a week.

Peter said the most memorable stories he covered were Southampton FC’s FA Cup win in 1976 and when the Echo scooped its rivals on the banning of buck hunting.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]