BBC Look North's emotional sign off to Jeff Brown as he hosts his final show

The BBC paid tribute to one of their regional presenters this evening, as Jeff Brown's 21-year tenure with Look North came to a close. The journalist kicked off his career with Tyne Tees TV, enjoying a six-year stint with North East Tonight alongside Mike Neville, before teaming up with the BBC's regional bulletin in 2003.

Jeff was dressed sharply in a navy suit and red polka-dotted tie as his final episode with Look North began. It was business as usual as he began reading some of the North East and Cumbria's latest headlines. And the programme took a comedic turn when Jeff was invited to read the weather with co-presenter Paul Mooney.

Paul laughed: "Somebody's last day on the team today. Jeff, I know you've always had a hankering to have a go at the weather - so why don't you come up and give us the outlook," to which Jeff responded: "You're kidding me?" before making his way to the big screen to give the bank holiday forecast.

• Read more: BBC Look North's Jeff Brown to host final show after co-star Carol Malia in tears over exit

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After presenting the segment, Jeff's wife Susan then joined him, as the shocked presenter said: "Where did you come from? Well, this has been unexpected."

A montage of Jeff's finest work then played out, looking at some of the biggest stories that the presenter has covered over the years, as well as fun had on screen in the form of taking a dip in the North Sea, scaling a ship, and even river wakeboarding. As the montage faded, Jeff was joined by most of the Look North team, barring Dawn Thewlis, who sent in her very own special message.

In a recorded clip, she said: "Hi Jeff, I'm here at the Chelsea Flower Show indulging in my other passion in life. I'm really, really sad to see you go, but I know that you're going to be following your other passion in life of plane racing and it brings you so much joy. I'm really sad I can't be with you on your final programme, but we said our goodbyes earlier in the week."

She added: "So all the best, it's been absolutely fabulous working with you for the best part of 30 years. Lots of love."

Made up, Jeff then read his final sign off. Addressing the viewers, he said: "I just want to say thanks to everyone here for all of the support you've given me. Thanks to you for watching, for letting me into your homes every night for the last 21 years - it has been an absolute privilege.

"Thank you again. Thanks for watching."

And viewers across the North East also paid their own tributes to Brown's long-standing career, taking to X to share kind words. One wrote: "Watching #JeffBrown @JeffAB61 for the last time on #BBCLookNorth," while a second added: "@BBCLN Jeff brown another north east legend."

A third, said: "Tonight was Jeff Brown's last edition of Look North, and I will be dressing in black for the foreseeable x."