Two Swindon journalists have been awarded life membership of their union as a reward for decades of support.
Between them, Barry Leighton and Paul Watson have been members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) for a total of 97 years, and during their long careers have seen countless changes across the newspaper industry.
They were honoured at a gathering of former colleagues held at The Kings Arms in Old Town.
Barry, pictured holding his certificate alongside union branch chair Ray Tostevin, began his career in 1970, initially working in London before joining what was then the Swindon Evening Advertiser in 1976.
It was at the 'Adver' that he met his wife Pauline, herself a highly-respected journalist, who died last year.
In 1988 he moved to the Western Daily Press, working from his Swindon home and covering the area's news.
Paul Watson began his career on a Surrey newspaper 41 years ago, transferring to the Swindon Advertiser four years later.
His duties there included being education correspondent, organising contributions from local community figures and latterly working as a sub-editor.
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