BBC presenter Sally Taylor said an emotional farewell to the channel as she signed off her final episode of South Today tonight (March 20) after 38 years working on the programme. Sitting on BBC South's red sofa for the final time the 68-yer-old, who is retiring, said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you to so many of you who have sent in cards and good wishes to me as I retire after nearly 40 years sitting on this red sofa and presenting South Today.

"You are at the very heart of everything we do on this programme, and I feel very honoured and privileged that you share your stories with me and that you allowed me to be able to tell your stories on the programme. So thank you so much for being there and supporting me right the way through these last 40 years and take care," she signed off. Sally joined South Today in 1987 having previously worked at Spotlight, the regional news programme for the south west of England.

Viewers rushed to the BBC Hampshire Instagram to offer their support and lament her departure. "Enjoy your retirement but your voice will be sadly missed at tea-time," one said.

Another concurred: "Enjoy your retirement, will miss you, have fun in your new adventures." A third chimed in: "Awww! News won't be the same."

"Wishing you all the very best in your retirement Sally," a fourth gushed. "We shall miss you but enjoy your retirement. Well deserved xxx," a fifth said.

Sally only saying "it's time". Prior to taking the helm at South Today she had worked at Spotlight, the regional news programme for the south west of England.

Ahead of her final show she spoke to former South Today presenter Roger Finn in a special report telling him it was the "right time" to leave the programme.

During a walk in the New Forest she told him: "I have to say, the decision was the most stressful thing.

"Once I'd made that decision, well it was amazing, I woke up in the middle of the night and I thought 'what's that feeling', and I suddenly realised it was the weight off my shoulders.

"People find endings difficult, but I look at them and I see a new beginning," she said.