A surprise civic reception at Lynn Town Hall was thrown for Mr Williamson to mark the climax of a photographic career that has spanned 50 years.

West Norfolk born-and-bred, Mr Williamson, who turns 65 this summer, joined the Lynn News as a trainee printer straight from school before shifting into photography.

Apart from a couple of short spells away from the paper, including working as cameraman for the BBC in far flung places such as Dallas and Florida filming shark fishing and horse riding, Mr Williamson has been with the Lynn News from the age of 15.

Mr Williamson, of Fountaine Grove, South Wootton, said: "I would like to thank all, and I mean all, the people of West Norfolk for their support and cooperation throughout my photographic career. I really have enjoyed my time. It has been a wonderful job."

During his career Mr Williamson has photographed just about every member of the Royal Family, including the Princess of Wales when she was still a young Lady Diana Spencer, Margaret Thatcher, Sir Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda and so many more faces famous internationally and locally.

There have been many moments to remember and to raise a laugh – including the time he became the unwitting target for a bull at the Royal Norfolk Show.

At the town hall, West Norfolk Mayor David Johnson spoke of the fun Mr Williamson has always brought to his work. "You have been welcomed as the jester into this parlour many times," he said.

Lynn News editor Malcolm Powell added: "Roy has been the very best ambassador for the Lynn News and West Norfolk as a whole."

Grandfather-of-two, with another on the way, Mr Williamson, who has been married to wife Jill for 40 years, now plans to spend more time with his family.

To see a slideshow of pictures of Roy's send off just click the arrow.

See Purfleet's tribute to Mr Williamson, Arise Sir Roy... in today's paper and on this website.