Fred Dinenage will leave ITV News Meridian at Christmas after almost four decades.

The presenter has been a familiar face on the regional six o'clock show in the south and south east since 1983.

He said it had been "a really tough decision" but he wanted to spend time with his wife, Beverley, and their three dogs.

"I will be continuing with my crime programmes and ITV's How! and writing books, including one recently commissioned," he told ITV.

"But now I feel it is the right time to move on. I will miss my dear co-presenter, Sangeeta, and my colleagues at ITV Meridian terribly. And, of course, I will miss our wonderful viewers who have given me such incredible love and support for so long.

"I've been so lucky in my life and career – 58 years working non-stop on regional and network programmes with ITV and I've been blessed by having a truly special family.

"So, to everyone – thank you."

For the past 12 years Fred has co-hosted ITV News Meridian with Sangeeta Bhabra.

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