It's a fond farewell to our Mr Bognor as long-serving Observer reporter leaves

Eyesight problems have forced the man fondly dubbed 'Mr Bognor' to put aside his notepad and pen on a full-time basis.

Observer group editor Colin Channon admitted Kevin would be a hard act to follow.

Mr Channon said: "When I took the job at the Observer, people said I wouldn't have to worry about Bognor Regis. Kevin Smith, they said, has it all wrapped up.

"They were right. He did have it all wrapped up. I can't remember working with anyone so prolific. He fills pages and pages of this paper every week.

"And it's not that he's just prolific. He is very accurate. It is very rare indeed to receive a complaint about comments reported in any of his stories.

"I hope the Kevin Smith byline is not lost to the Observer. I hope he will continue to write for the benefit of Bognor residents in the future.

"He has too much knowledge to let us let it go to waste."

Kevin said: "Today marks my final edition as the senior reporter of the Bognor Regis Observer after just over 20 years.

"I have developed a form of macular degeneration which has damaged my eyesight and I feel now is the right time to leave.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the many individuals who have helped me during my lengthy period with the paper.

"The large number of people I have interviewed in a wide range of circumstances have left me with overwhelmingly pleasant memories.

"I will still be contributing to the Observer on a less-frequent basis but my email address is being closed."

Both Arun District Council and Bognor Regis Town Council made special presentations to Kevin after hearing about his departure.

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