IT HAS been almost one year since one of Oxfordshire’s favourite newsreaders, Wesley Smith, said farewell to his legions of dedicated ITV viewers.

The 45-year-old was made redundant from his job as anchorman on Thames Valley Tonight when three regional news bulletins were merged into one programme last February.

But despite joining the ranks of the unemployed at the height of the recession, the popular presenter turned his situation into an opportunity to launch a new career.

After an Oxford Mail campaign to get ITV to reinstate Mr Smith, which saw 3,000 fans lobby the TV company for his return, he was quickly offered a weekend show on BBC Radio Oxford. Mr Smith said that the BBC show, along with media training sessions, TV documentaries, and guest- presenter slots had kept him more than busy through what could have been a difficult year.

But he said none of it would have been possible if it had not been for the huge show of support from viewers, for whom he became the face of news in Oxfordshire during more than 20 years with Central News and Thames Valley Tonight.

Mr Smith said: “Obviously having the support of the Oxford Mail and the readers who supported the campaign has really helped.

“I’m still very humbled by the fact that it’s a year since I left Thames Valley Tonight, yet people are still coming up to me and saying they miss the show and my part in it.

“Even now people come up to me in shops and at events and tell me they wrote into the campaign to show support.”

Despite the campaign, ITV said it would not be possible to reinstate Mr Smith and that it would be continuing with Meridian Tonight, its replacement programme hosted by Fred Dinenage.

The show, which is broadcast from Southampton, covers eight counties in South East England.

As part of his new career, Mr Smith gives media training seminars to businesses and organisations, including the NHS, and has been hosting celebrity evenings featuring June Whitfield, Peter Sallis and Denis Norden.

Mr Smith said his Saturday show and occasional morning and drive time stand-in slots on BBC Radio Oxford had added another string to his bow.

He said: “I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m up for a challenge. And I would like to thank everyone so much for their support.”

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk