A chief photographer on a weekly newspaper is preparing to retire next month after 48 years at the title.

Bernard Jones, pictured left and below in his younger days, will leave the Derbyshire Times on 24 August after starting at the paper at the age of 15 and spending his whole career there.

He began working as a technician in the weekly’s dark room and moved to become a photographer around 20 years ago.

Some of his most memorable times at the paper include photographing Tony Benn when he stood in the by-election in 1984 and covering the Olympic torch relay when it arrived in Chesterfield this month.

Bernard, 63, said: “I have just got to the point where I am ready to go but it will be a wrench after coming here for the last nearly 50 years.

“One of the best highlights has been riding on the back of the lorry in front of the Olympic torch, which was fantastic. I have been to Wembley a couple of times with Chesterfield Football Club, including this year.

“When I started we were on glass plates and hot metal and all that sort of thing. Now its the internet and making little films on Flip cameras with the digital age.

“I have worked with hundreds of people over the years and always had good relationships with everybody.

“I shall miss the day-to-day banter and getting out and meeting new people every day. I won’t miss the hundreds of miles I have to drive every week.”

He is looking forward to spending more time with his six grandchildren in his retirement.