ONE of the Echo’s long-serving reporters Melanie Vass is leaving the paper on August 28 and I would like to personally thank her for all the support she has given me over the many years with all of my charity work in the town.

Nothing has ever been too much trouble and she has always kept to her word. The Bournemouth Poppy Appeal has always had good coverage and I have taken on more poppy sellers through Mel’s reporting.

We’ll miss you, Mel. Good luck in your new venture.

CLLR ANNE REY Setley Gardens, Bournemouth