The 63-year-old, who joined us in 1989, received the British Journalism Award for energy and environment from broadcaster Jeremy Vine and Coralie Frost, of award sponsor OVO Energy.

       The paper also earned praise for becoming “a leading voice” for the environment and “securing positive change”.

       John retires after a year leading the Daily Express Green Britain Needs You campaign.

       Thanking editor Gary Jones and staff, he said: “The paper let me spread my wings and go all over the world highlighting environmental crises, and solutions as well.”