ITV's Lucy Meacock sends apology as she shares first message after announcing Granada Reports exit

ITV news anchor Lucy Meacock has shared her first message since it was announced she is to leave Granada Reports after 36 years. It was confirmed on Monday (July 15) that the popular presenter had made the 'difficult decision' to 'move on'.

Meacock began her broadcasting career at Tyne Tees TV covering the miners strike in 1984. Since then, she's become a hugely respected presenter and journalist in the north west. Joining back in the days of Granada Television, Meacock worked on programmes including UpFront, The Late Debate, The Main Ingredient, Origin Unknown, Hearts and Minds and This Morning from Liverpool.

It was confirmed her final show will air on Thursday, August 1 at 6pm. She said in a statement: "This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. But the time is right to move on now. For me it has always been the best job in the world, with the best people in the world, in the best region in the world.

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"I am very grateful that I was given this job so many years ago. I have always tried my hardest to make a positive contribution and I hope I will be remembered with some fondness in the years ahead.

"It has been a complete honour and privilege to serve the people of this region and I will always have the interests of the north west at heart. A big thank you to all the people who have appeared on the programme over the years, sometimes when they have been facing some very tough challenges."

She added: "I'd also like to say a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people who I have worked with in more than 40 years