AFTER 34 distinguished years as a Kent Messenger Group journalist, Kentish Express editor Brian Lewis has retired.

He stepped down from the post just three days short of his 60th birthday.

Mr Lewis began his career as a reporter in 1963 at the East Kent Times. He joined the Kent Messenger Group in 1970 and took charge of the Kentish Express in 1984.

Friends, colleagues and family marked his retirement with a party.