Derbyshire Times reporter David Hopkinson has retired after 47 years with the paper.

David, (65), worked from the paper’s office in Alfreton, covering the mid-Derbyshire area.

The paper’s longest-serving reporter, he joined the Times as a trainee in 1961 and has seen many changes over the last half century.

Some of the big stories he covered included the closure of the area’s coalmines and the subsequent regeneration of the mining towns.

Other career highlights include the more quirky stories such as the time Alfreton Town Council’s clerk got stuck to a chair with chewing gum.

He also left the national TV columnists standing when he broke the news that actor Chris Gascoyne – Coronation Street’s love rat Peter Barlow – planned to leave the soap in 2003.

He said: “It has been a privilege to share in the joys and sadness of people because you do get very much involved with people’s lives.

“You make friendships with people that you keep even though you know them as part of your job.

“There are so many people I have met over the years who are still close contacts of mine.

“You get to know people and really become part of the local community.”

Derbyshire Times editor Mike Wilson said: “David is ‘Mr Alfreton’. He really is at the heart of his community and has built up the respect and trust of readers through his dedication and hard work.

“He’s witnessed some massive changes in the five decades he’s been reporting for the Times but his enthusiasm and professionalism have remained unchanged. He is leaving some very big boots to fill.”