Legendary journalist John 'Jacko' Jackson mesmerised an audience in Teddington last night as he revealed his behind-the-scenes encounters with world-famous sports stars such as Muhammad Ali and John MacEnroe.

The Fleet Street veteran, 86, entertained an intimate gathering at the Anglers pub with vivid tales of his time working as sports and news reporter for The Daily Mirror, as part of a fundraising event for community organisation SporTedd.

John, who has covered an astonishing 22 Olympic games plus countless Wimbledons and World Cups, opened up about the highlights of his celebrated career reporting on world events and grilling the giants of the sporting world.

A captivated audience listened to stories of memorable run-ins with British legends Ian Botham, Daley Thompson and Virginia Wade and vivid accounts of Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the death of former Mirror publisher Robert Maxwell.

John, who gained the nickname 'Chief Rotter' during his career at the Mirror, effortlessly conveyed the sense of adventure and adrenalin rush involved in as life a a reporter in his conversation with SporTedd member and former Mail on Sunday sports editor Alison Kervin OBE.

He also brought along some copies of his new book, 'Reflections of a Mirror Man: The Life and Times of Fleet Street's Chief Rotter' which were personally dedicated by him to the lucky winners of the night's fundraising raffle.

The evening took place in the room above the Anglers Pub, where SporTedd members and guests were treated to a 2-course dinner before John took centre stage.

Click here to find out more about John's new book and to buy a copy

Visit the SporTedd website to see more upcoming events and get involved.

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