Cheshire Life and Lancashire Life’s popular and talented Picture Editor, John Cocks, is retiring this month

We don’t want him to go but when Cheshire Life and Lancashire Life Picture Editor John Cocks told us it was time for him to retire, we couldn’t let him leave without a super farewell party.

Colleagues from the editorial, commerical and administrative sections of both magazines joined John at the stylish Gusto restaurant at the Albert Dock in Liverpool for the occasion. As we arrived at a private mezzanine area overlooking the water, Gusto staff joined in the party mood as they served us fabulous fizz to toast our departing friend. And we carried on toasting - with cocktails and Italian wines, specially selected by Gusto’s wine expert to match our dinner menu.

John, whose photos have been delighting our readers for 34 years, began his career on The Ormskirk Advertiser. After working in news and winning several awards, John accepted an invitation by the management of Lancashire Life to join their staff.

John said: ‘Cheshire Life and Lancashire Life have been my life for all this time and have provided the opportunity to meet and photograph many interesting people and places and to work with some talented and dedicated colleagues. My remit has remained constant; to produce the best photography possible and to help keep our readers interested in what the counties have to offer. I’ve had a great time and can hardly believe it’s gone so fast.’

John entertained the party with anecdotes of his experiences over the years - like the time he nearly drowned on a seafaring photo job! Tributes to John from Archant’s directors were read out and his good health toasted. John then reminded us that he will still be taking some photographs now and again for Life titles, so that was a good excuse for yet another toast.

Cheers to John! You’ll be missed.