Staff at the Oxford Mail said a fond farewell to one of Oxfordshire's best-known journalists, John Chipperfield, who retired after 44 years with the paper yesterday.

A celebration took place at Newspaper House, in Osney Mead, Oxford, to wish Mr Chipperfield all the best for his retirement, where he was joined by staff past and present, including a number of former Editors, inset.

Mr Chipperfield, who grew up in Marston, first started writing for the paper as a 16-year-old covering football matches, but it was not long before he was taken on as a trainee.

He later spent 22 years as News Editor, before finally becoming an Assistant Editor and starting the hugely popular Memory Lane pages, which he will continue to edit.

Mr Chipperfield received an MBE for services to journalism in 1997 and celebrates his 65th birthday today.

He said: "I'm shocked, stunned and shattered by all the tributes I have received and the amazing thing is I knew nothing about the preparations, and I thought I knew everything that went on in this place."

Current Oxford Mail editor Simon O'Neill said: "I am privileged to have worked with John and thoroughly enjoyed it too."

Derek Holmes, Oxford Times editor, said: "He was a selfless journalist who was dedicated to the service of the newspaper."

Mr Chipperfield is looking forward to spending more time with wife Marilyn and two grand-daughters, and enjoying gardening and playing the piano and organ.