COMPANY accountant Alan Ward has retired after 25 years at The Northern Echo in Darlington.
Mr Ward, 60, joined the company, then owned by Westminster Press, on January 1, 1977 as a management accountant and became company accountant in 1996 when Newsquest purchased the firm.
He said the biggest change during his time with the company was the advent of computerisation.
"It has been a major change. Everything was handwritten when I arrived, but now everything is on PCs, which is a fundamental change."
He added: "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 at The Northern Echo, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Christine, his two daughters and grand-daughter.
As a fan of Middlesbrough Football Club 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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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