Press Club chairman John Lamb, left, salutes new chairman Bob Warman

Veteran Midlands broadcaster and former regional press journalist Bob Warman has been named as the new president of the Birmingham Press Club.

Bob, long time anchorman of ITV’s Central News bulletin, takes over the prestigious position from Lady Penelope Cobham, who has stepped down after a decade in the role.

Formerly a journalist at the Birmingham Evening Mail and BBC Radio Birmingham, Bob’s television career began at ATV in 1973.

Away from the TV studio, he is involved in a number of local societies and charities, including Birmingham Civic Society and Acorns, the children’s hospice.

Bob said he was “flattered and delighted” to be asked to succeed Viscountess Cobham.

“As a working journalist, I am proud to be the figurehead of the oldest press club in the world, at a time when it has a role to play beyond simple fellowship,” he said.

Press Club chairman John Lamb said he was pleased that a journalist of Bob Warman’s stature was taking over as president.

“Penny will be a hard act to follow, but I am sure that Bob is more than up to the job. I wish him all the best for the future,” he said.