IT is with much sadness that I announce this week s column is my last. I m off. I ve had enough of you lot. You ve had your wicked way with me for far too long. No more belly-dancing, no more sending myself down the side of the fire station tower, no mor

IT is with much sadness that I announce this week's column is my last.

I'm off. I've had enough of you lot. You've had your wicked way with me for far too long.

No more belly-dancing, no more sending myself down the side of the fire station tower, no more dressing up as a 6ft daffodil.

In short, no more ritual humiliation on your behalf.

In all seriousness, though, I would like to say how much I've enjoyed working on the column over the last couple of years.

It has been a pleasure to write, and the least I can hope for is that it's been a positive thing to read.

Granted, you've had to put up with my ugly mug gurning at you from these pages every Thursday morning, but we all have to make sacrifices.

There are some opportunities I've been offered which I haven't been able to take up - I have to say, swimming in the altogether with members (so to speak) of Mildenhall Naturist Club struck the fear of God into me, but that remains the exception rather than the rule.

Maybe it will happen one of these days, but not without some free cosmetic surgery first.

I'll miss everything about Ely and the surrounding area and, despite being a journalist, I've managed to stay on good terms with most people.

Even the powers-that-be at the cathedral didn't take offence when I suggested the edifice should be transformed into a multi-storey car park, although I believe I'm still owed some retribution from the Skoda-driving community after being particularly harsh on their mode of transport during one directionless rant.

By the time you've read this, I will have started my new job, but I shall miss my old one terribly.

I've already scouted out my new office, and there's no shop of the ilk of Thing-Me-Bobs in sight, and hence no opportunities to buy cans of cola daubed with Arabic lettering for next-to-nothing.

I trust my absence will have no effect on your support of this newspaper. Please continue to read it in your droves - it's getting better and better.

This is mostly due to a committed and dedicated staff who are passionate about serving their community - I am humbled to have been able to work with them.

Take care and thanks to everyone who's been involved - my life is much the poorer for not dealing with you all on a day-to-day basis.

All the best,

Ben Jones