TV legend, Fred Dinenage, will present his final ITV Meridian News Tonight programme later today (Thursday).
Mr Dinenage announced earlier this year that he was stepping down after 38 years.
(Picture: Fred Dinenage and Debbie Thrower. Credit: ITV)
He has anchored the evening news show in the south since 1983, when it was broadcast by Television South.
Meridian co-host, Sangeeta Bhabra, said Mr Dinenage will be "massively missed" by viewers.
Mr Dinenage was a director of Portsmouth Football Club from 1998 to 2006 and was appointed MBE for services to broadcasting in 2010.
The 79-year-old became a household name on the children’s television programme How? - last year appearing in a new series of the show, made for CITV.
Speaking to ITV Meridian this morning, Mr Dinenage said:
"It started as a seven-week contract at Southern TV on a children's programme in 1963 - it's lasted 58 years. I still can't believe it.
"I've been so happy at ITV. I just want to say thank you to my dear colleagues, and our wonderful viewers for giving me so much love and support."
Paying tribute, TV cameraman, Dave Russell - known as Meridian Dave - who lives on the Isle of Wight, said:
"Tonight (Thursday) will be the end of a TV era, as Fred Dinenage presents his very last Meridian Tonight on ITV at 6pm.
"I've had the pleasure of working with him for many years - and he's a top bloke. What you see on screen is what you get in real life, unlike some folk you see on TV!
"Best wishes for the future, mate."
(Picture: Dave Russell speaking to Fred Dinenage. Credit: ITV)
Mr Dinenage's last show is tonight on ITV Meridian at 6pm.