ONE of the most distinctive voices in Shropshire radio broadcasting has hung up his microphone to enjoy a long-deserved retirement.

James Bond, who lives in Oswestry, has called time on his BBC career after more than three decades with the corporation, deeming the 'time was right' to call an end to his time presenting sport on the radio.

James has also been the presenter of many Bailey Head events over the years and he said he will not be putting them behind him just yet, in a town he has come to love deeply.

"I've had a fantastic time over those years with the BBC, and you can be very lucky that if you get a job in life that you can enjoy from day one," said James.

"That's what I've done – I leave the BBC, and Radio Shropshire, with many good memories and emotions but it is the right thing to do.

"I've done my 90 minutes, I've done my extra time and I've done my penalty shootout."

He added: "I'm not retiring and moving away – I love Oswestry and have lived here longer than anywhere else in my life.

"It's where my friends are and it's a big enough town for what you want but it's small enough to know everyone and I am grateful for my life here.

"I won't be moving on from there and you will hopefully still hear me on things like Christmas Live etc.

"Over the years I have met so many people and so many messages of support and thanks, which is fantastic.

"As a reporter, you may interview someone once and they will remember that, and that touches their lives."

James says he has too many memories to pick one out individually, but highlighted Shrewsbury Town's many, albeit unsuccessful, trips to Wembley as well as a trip with Telford

He also highlighted a documentary on Telford's fall and rise as a phoenix club and reserved a word for Oswestry football.

He said: "I was involved with Oswestry personally as the secretary in the days of the old Victoria Road, and I used to cover the games for the BBC there.

"In the merger with TNS which enabled Town to survive, the promise from TNS to build them a stadium and club to be proud of, and when you look at the facilities, they certainly have."