BRIAN Sutton has spent more than half his life serving the Tweed community through the Daily News.

The 65-year-old sub editor retired from newspapers yesterday after a total of 41 years in the industry, working in roles ranging from hot metal production to sub editing and travel writing.

"It's a wonderful lifestyle," Brian said.

In 1965 as a 17-year-old who had always loved to write, Brian joined the team as an apprentice hand and machine compositor, producing newspapers in the days of hot metal.

"I love the history. I think there's a romance in news- papers," he said.

"The technology now intrigues me, but the process isn't as interesting."

Brian left newspapers for seven years before returning in 1979 as computers and technology were changing how news was produced. He switched to journalism as a sub editor, the unseen and unheard figures in the newsroom.

Since then Brian has worked as chief-of-staff, fishing correspondent, sports sub editor and more recently as a chief sub at APN Australian Regional Media, working on newspapers from Coffs Harbour to Mackay.

He was well regarded by his colleagues for his capacity to stay calm when chaos errupted and his somewhat 'zen' approach within the newsroom.

He will now retire with his wife Helen to test the fishing tips he has been providing for more than 20 years.

He leaves accompanied by the unwavering respect of the colleagues he has worked with.