Stewart White leaves BBC Look East live on air

Stewart White has left the BBC in dramatic fashion, live on air last night.

The BBC Look East presenter told viewers that the programme was the last time he was to appear on the BBC.

Appearing close to tears, the presenter said: "For one night only, it is not goodnight, but goodbye, and thank you."

Colleagues were said to have not been told of it beforehand. Weather presenter Alex Dolan standing close to him while he spoke looked visibly shocked at the news.

Mr White, 74, presented his final show from Norwich on Thursday. He said goodbye and thanked viewers at the end of the 18:30 BST programme.

In total, he has presented more than 10,000 programmes and covered the biggest stories in the East of England.

"This is a sad day for me. I have spent 37 very happy years at BBC Look East," he said.

West Norfolk resident Stephen Fry was among those to pay tribute to the broadcaster, saying on Twitter: "Norfolk evenings will never be quite the same ... Farewell, old boy, you will be sorely missed."