A journalist who spent more than 40 years on the same series of weekly newspapers has retired.

Deputy news editor Andrew Spencer, pictured left, worked his last day at Leader Times Newspapers, in Lancashire, earlier this month.

Born in the village of Trawden, Andrew began his career on the newspapers, which include the Nelson Leader, Colne Times and Barnoldswick and Earby Times, 41 years ago upon leaving college.

Prior to his current position, he also served in roles including court reporter and sports reporter.

While working as the latter, Andrew reported on now defunct local non-league football club Colne Dynamoes winning the FA Vase at Wembley.

Since 1996 he has also written a column entitled ‘Mr Pendle’.

For much of his career he was based in the Colne Times office, which closed in the mid-1990s.

Said Andrew: “I have loved every minute of it. I met a lot of very interesting people, but after 41 years it is time for me to retire.

“I have worked with a lot of people who have gone on to bigger things in journalism.”