COMPANY accountant Alan Ward has retired after 25 years of managing newspaper finances in Darlington.
Mr Ward, 60, joined North of England Newspapers - publishers of the Advertiser, Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times - on January 1, 1977, and became company accountant in 1996 when Newsquest bought the firm.
He said the biggest change during his time with the company was the advent of computerisation.
"Everything was handwritten when I arrived, but now everything is on PCs, which is a fundamental change."
"Some of the staff were here when I started, and it's nice to have that continuity and support. I look on them as friends rather than staff."
Although Mr Ward will miss his friends, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Christine, his two daughters and grand-daughter.
As a fan of Middlesbrough FC and Durham County Cricket Club, he is also looking forward to seeing more matches
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article