A RESPECTED former Telegraph reporter has been given a prestigious honour in recognition of 40 years' service to Inverclyde.

Journalist Eric Baxter, who retired in December, was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Club of Greenock during a special event in the Tontine Hotel on Tuesday.

It is the highest honour a rotary club can bestow on anyone and is in 'appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world'.

Eric, 65, worked closely with the Greenock branch during his 40-year career at the Tele, helping to promote its work supporting various good causes and he also raised money for charity himself by running marathons.

He was accompanied by his wife Cathie and daughter Emma for the presentation.

Eric told the Tele: "I've done many stories in the past about people who have received the Paul Harris award but never imagined I would get it myself.

"I'm very honoured to receive such a prestigious award.

"I've covered many stories of the tireless work Greenock Rotary Club has done for people at home and abroad.

"I feel the award is as much for the Telegraph as it is for me.

"Anything I did during my career was through the Telegraph, which does such an outstanding job promoting local, good causes.

"Thanks very much to the Rotary Club of Greenock for their hospitality and the award."

Eric started with the Tele in 1977 and spent four decades on the frontline covering stories in Inverclyde and abroad during his distinguished journalism career.

He worked closely with many people, including local businessman and Greenock Rotary past president, Bill Knox, who led the tributes to him.

Mr Knox said: "Apart from his own contribution to charities, Eric has served the community with his stories and articles in the Tele about fundraising events, including Rotary events.

"On a personal note, I will miss him."

Greenock Rotary president, Ann Lockhart, who presented the award, said: "We always appreciated what Eric did for us and all the other things he done apart from that, like running marathons and raising money for charity, but also for being a thoroughly nice guy, which is what it all comes down to."