The announcement of the retirement of TV sports presenter David Vine had special significance for staff at the North Devon Journal – because it was there that he started his illustrious career.

Mr Vine (65) joined the Journal in the 1950s after completing his education at the Barnstaple Bluecoat and Grammar schools.

He not only reported on the exploits of the South Molton Rugby Club for the newspaper – he played for them as well.

He went to work for the BBC in 1966 and will retire after next months Olympics in Sydney.

Mr Vine is probably best-known for fronting the BBC’s coverage of the world snooker championships, but he also spent 21 years presenting Ski Sunday as well as Grandstand, the Horse of the Year Show and Wimbledon.

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