ONE of the longest serving newspapermen in Devon has been caught up in his very own ‘I quit shock probe’ scenario.

Colourful Richard Bray, 61 and from Kingsteignton, is ­giving up the ­scribbling and subbing game after 45 years around ink, paper and this new-fangled ­digital stuff.

The Mid-Devon Advertiser’s sports editor bowed out in style on Wednesday after a comparatively brief 17 years with Newton Abbot’s finest.

But before casting off from office life he allowed himself to be embarrassed by a ­welter of plaudits from appreciative ­colleagues.

Editor Ruth Davey described Richard as ‘a vital mainstay of the paper’ whose effortless charm and devotion to the cause would be greatly missed.

She told him: ‘It’s been a joy to work with you. I know I speak for everyone who has had the good fortune to be your ­colleague that your skill and experience are second to none. You are a headline act.’

Richard’s first venture in the business was in 1973 when he left Ashburton Secondary Modern School to be be a compositor at the Herald Express base in Braddons Hill, Torquay.

‘I did a five-year apprenticeship in hot metal – and after that a two-weeks typing course because hot metal became ­obsolete!’ revealed Richard who left the Herald after clocking up 23 years with the former daily.

He spent the next five years working in editorial for South Hams Newspapers in Kingsbridge before seeking sanctuary at the MDA in 2001.

‘I know 45 years sounds like a long time lost in newspapers, but I’ve had so many different jobs over the period. It’s flown by,’ he admitted.

He’s looking forward to spending more time with wife Angie and accommodating the delightful

demands of his six granddaughters.

Richard also aims to spoil a good walk by playing more golf – and when the accident-prone sportsman wearies of so many holes-in-one he might consider being distracted by some gentle part-time employment.

l See you on ­Monday then, Richard. – Ed.