My first nervous day as a news reporter at the Daily Express on 1 May 1973 was improved considerably by a pep talk from news editor Jack Fawcett. Never be afraid to ask for backup, he said. This newspaper has huge expertise, the staff are well qualified and there are correspondents from all over the world.

Always bring your passport, every day, and have a change of clothes in your locker. Wear a suit and tie as you could be attending a film premiere or interviewing the Prime Minister. Prepare to see the world. Travel would be business class on airlines and first class on trains, with five-star hotels. Sounded great!

Mr Fawcett was sacked three weeks later. It took me five laborious months to get a job which involved even an overnight… in a guest house in Brighton. Welcome to the realities of Fleet Street.