The event, held at Stationers’ Hall in London, was a sell-out and attracted almost 200 guests who raised a further £2,920 for the charity’s work through two prize draws.

Outgoing president Michael Johnson, chief executive of the BPIF, reiterated the importance of printing to the economy and said: "We in the printing industry are somebody to take notice of."

Sir Christopher takes up the role in the New Year.  He spent a distinguished career in the diplomatic service, culminating in being appointed ambassador to the United States. He subsequently wrote a high-profile book about his experiences 'DC Confidential'.

Phil Hall, the former editor of the News of the World and editor-in-chief of Hello! magazine regaled the audience with tales of life in the tabloid editor’s chair, including a run-in with Reggie Kray after the paper ran a piece about the notorious east end gangster enjoying tea and biscuits in prison under the headline: 'I could murder another McVitie'.

Hall concluded on a serious note, though, stating: "Without coverage in newspapers and magazines products would only sell to people who specifically researched them. Integrity should be the flag bearer for the future of newspapers and the print industry."