THE Oxford Mail has issued a final call for fans of former ITV news presenter Wesley Smith to sign up to our campaign and be counted.

We started our Save Wesley campaign after the ITV Thames Valley Tonight programme was scrapped in February and the popular presenter was axed.

The new show, Meridian Tonight, is broadcast from Southampton and covers eight counties in the South East.

So many people contacted the Oxford Mail to complain about the loss of Mr Smith and the lack of Oxfordshire stories on the new programme, that we started a campaign to get him back.

Since we launched the campaign, on March 11, both online and via a form in the newspaper, 2,180 readers have signed up.

Mr Smith, who is busy working on new projects, such as an onstage An Audience with Peter Sallis – one of the stars of TV’s Last of the Summer Wine – and some media- training work in London, said: “Many thanks to everyone who has shown such huge support. It means a lot.

“I am enjoying making the most of new opportunities, but hope to be able to do some broadcasting work somewhere again at some stage.”

Among our supporters is Sheila Cooper, from Yarnton, who wrote in to join the campaign.

She said she wanted to bring back Mr Smith, along with his former colleagues Hannah Shelswell and Mary Green.

She added: “In these days when the main news is all doom and gloom, their friendly and fun way of presenting the local news made one feel that life does go on and it’s not all difficult and hopeless.

“The highlight of six o’clock was ITV news and I miss it greatly. Bring them back!”

Nellie Leach, from Long Hanborough, said: “I’m backing the Wesley campaign because it’s not the same without him.

“He seems to be our own personal friend.

“We have switched to BBC news now.”

An ITV spokesman said: “On-screen changes often generate debate and this has been no exception, but the proposals for Meridian were subject to extensive consultation.”

Once we have counted all the entries to our campaign we will present your emails and letters to ITV news managers.

To sign the petition, see oxfordmail.co.uk or fill in and return the coupon printed on this page.

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk