The 74-year-old journalist was on-air as a news presenter for the last time this Thursday between 7pm and 8pm on Channel 4 before bidding farewell to his colleagues and loyal viewers. He said: “It’s wonderful and so rewarding.

       “In the end, Jackie, I am nothing in this studio without the technical, journalistic teams.

       “Thanks to the far-sided Government regulators that have given us an hour of independent news in prime time.

       “Thank you to all people all over the world that have trusted me with their stories.

       “Thank you to those of you sitting at home.

       “It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to bring you the news.

       “Stay safe, that’s Channel 4 news.”

       After a clip featuring some of his best moments, Snow was cheered out of the newsroom by his colleagues.

       At the end of the show, the programme made special tribute credits.

       READ MORE: Susanna Reid bids emotional farewell to C4 anchor Jon Snow

       It read: “Voice: Jon Snow

       “Mentor: Jon Snow

       “Leader: Jon Snow

       “Inspiration: Jon Snow

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       “Driving force: Jon Snow

       “Moral Compass: Jon Snow

       “Friend: Jon Snow.”

       “We're all so happy and proud to have worked with you Jon, we stand on your shoulders, thank you.”

       Media personalities and anonymous viewers have taken to social media to congratulate Mr Snow on his career at C4.

       ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini called him a “legend”.

       She said: “Wow. A constant on-screen presence in my household growing up. Then I was lucky enough to work in the same building.”

       Krishnan Guru-Murthy described Jon Snow as an “extraordinary human being”.

       He wrote: “He’s always been the most energetic, enthusiastic, committed and questioning TV journalist – who has brought compassion and humanity to his reporting wherever he goes.

       “Viewers love him. And even those politicians who disagree and get angry with him respect him.”

       Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former spokesman, tweeted: “He really has been one of the best ever. That could have been mawkish, but it was a wonderful send off for a great guy.”

       Mr Snow will now work on “front longer-form projects and represent the channel in other matters,” according to Channel 4.

       He will also “focus on his charities and some of his many passions in life, people’s stories, inequality, Africa, Iran and the arts.”

       Jon Snow joined Channel 4 News after serving as ITN’s Washington correspondent and diplomatic editor in the 1980s.