Alan Blair, 58, from Ashurst, a former civil servant, came to Heartbeat on a three-year contract and ended up staying.

Looking back at his time in charge he said: "The best bit has been the people I've met.

"There are no technical skills required to do my job, it's a people job.

"The people I've met have been extraordinary. People I never in a million years could have had contact with. People like the Countess of Wessex, Des Lynam and of course the wonderful people who have been in the cardiac unit themselves, both the staff and the patients.

"I feel lucky that I've played a small part in making their lives easier.

"For the doctors and nurses who work here it must be an extraordinary feeling knowing that they have helped save people's lives and it's good knowing that our team has helped them.

His highlights?

"There have been two major highlights. Obviously the opening of Rotary House in June 1995 by Rory Bremner and the Royal opening of the revamped cardiac ward in 2001.

Why should people support Heartbeat?

"Heart disease is the biggest medical problem we face as a country, it will affect everyone in some way," said Mr Blair.

"When you see what needs to be done and you know you could make it possible if you can just get the money, but you cannot expect people just to give money away to us.

"It's a constant demand, every day there is that needs doing.

"In ten years' time I'd simply like to see Heartbeat become as successful as it's possible to be."