Shropshire Newspapers managing director Colin Spicer says farewell to the company and staff at Ketley.

Shropshire Newspapers Managing Director Colin Spicer turned the last page on his 35-year career with the company today as he prepares for a well-earned retirement.

Mr Spicer packed his briefcase at the company’s head office in Ketley, Telford, for the last time after a week of emotional events to mark the last chapter in a highly successful career.

Celebrations for the 61-year-old climaxed yesterday when colleagues at Ketley massed in the newsroom to pay tribute to Mr Spicer and present him with leaving gifts, including a mock Shropshire Star front page bidding “Farewell to a Legend”.

Plaudits were led by Peter Guy, Shropshire Newspapers advertisement manager and director, who said Mr Spicer had given remarkable service to the company and the industry.

He added: “Colin’s retirement will be a great loss, not only to Shropshire Newspapers and MNA Media, but also to business in the county to which he has made a major contribution over the years. Colin has always led from the front and been a great ambassador, setting high standards, but always with a smile on his face.”

Mr Spicer, from Dudleston Heath, near Ellesmere, trained as a metallurgist, but started work on the Shropshire Star at Ketley in October 1974 as an advertisement sales representative and worked his way up to become display sales manager, before moving to circulation and rising to become circulation manager in 1993.

He was made a director in 1994, became advertisement manager six years later and was appointed Managing Director four years ago.

Mr Spicer, who is married to Angela, has sons Adam, Craig and Mark, and is a keen golfer playing off a handicap of 14 at Oswestry Golf Club, said: “It has been an emotional week, particularly saying goodbye to colleagues I have worked with for many years.”