A media officer today said goodbye to his council colleagues by revealing some news 'exclusives' about his past.

Peter Battrick from Gresham has left North Norfolk District Council having been its communications manager since 2006.

Before that, from 1986 to 2005 he was with the National Trust including the final six years as regional communications and marketing manager.

Staff and councillors attending his retirement presentation hear Mr Battrick also spent eight years as a teacher, including a spell in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

In his speech however he revealed he had also:

? bowled out Pakistan cricket captain Mushtaq Mohammad as a semi-pro fast bowler in a crucial Lancashire league match

?climbed to the crater at the summit of mount Kilimanjaro with his family

?spent a night in a South African prison cell - as a innocent guest trekker offered a place to sleep

?served drinks to the Queen Mother at Chartwell House while working for the National Trust

?annoyed Margaret Thatcher at the same venue by forgetting to call her Lady Thatcher

?walked through the channel tunnel with celebrities including Daley Thompson, Anthea Turner and Mr Blobby

?won prizes for his jams, and vegetables at the Gresham village horticultural show.

Chief executive Sheila Oxtoby praised Mr Battrick for his calm manner, wise advice and professionalism, which came to the fore while dealing with the media, and internal communications, during last year's storm surge.

Mr Battrick, is also a keen runner and cyclist, Spanish speaker, and has performed in the council pantomime.

He plans to spend some of his retirement leading guided walks in the UK and abroad.