QUESTION Time is quite rightly a television institution, yet one suspects it will never be quite the same again.

On Thursday evening, host and Sussex resident David Dimbleby bowed out for the final time, earning a thoroughly-deserved rousing round of applause from the audience and panellists alike.

Mr Dimbleby is a consummate broadcaster who will be sorely missed. He presided with an iron yet amiable fist over politicians of all persuasion and was always incisive when required.

He will be replaced by newsreader and Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce, another excellent broadcaster who apparently passed her audition for the role with flying colours.

No one doubts Ms Bruce’s credentials for such a prestigious role, but she has some very big shoes to step into.

It was also interesting to note that on Mr Dimbleby’s final show, the panel included the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas.

Ms Lucas argued eloquently in favour of a so-called “People’s Vote” to sort out Brexit once and for all, saying that Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal was, to all intents and purposes, unworkable and would almost certainly be vetoed when it is is finally voted on in Parliament.

There is no doubt that Ms Lucas acquitted herself well on the panel as she argued persuasively about the most contentious issue in British politics.

Putting political affiliation aside, she is undoubtedly a politician of considerable stature.

It is to be hoped she will be invited back on to the panel soon, perhaps alongside Sussex’s other MPs.