John Suchet [R] is an award-winning journalist

He was an award-winning foreign correspondent for many years before becoming a studio-based presenter.

ITV News editor David Mannion said he was "pivotal to the success of ITN" and was "a man of integrity and dignity - - a true gentleman journalist".

Suchet presents News at Ten and will leave in March when he turns 60, with plans to write his autobiography.

The newsreader, who is the brother of Poirot star David Suchet, would be "sorely missed" by friends and colleagues at ITN, Mr Mannion said.

"He will also be missed by millions of viewers who consistently rate him amongst their favourite newscasters. It will not be the same without him," he added.