Former ABC Radio South East regional manager Spence Denny has announced his retirement after more than three decades with the national broadcaster.

Mr Denny was at the helm of the local studios on Penola Road in Mount Gambier for several years in the 1990s.

Among his high-profile community roles was to host a concert at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

He was promoted to various on-air and support roles at ABC Radio in Adelaide.

The 60-year-old told the ABC Radio Adelaide listeners on Friday morning’s breakfast program that he had informed his manager Graeme Bennett about the retirement decision around eight weeks ago.

“Thirty-three years of being involved with the ABC has been a joy and a privilege,” Mr Denny said.

“I made this retirement decision long ago and cannot wait to spend more time with my wife Vicki exploring this amazing country.”

Mr Denny joined the ABC as a reporter in November 1988 and has also worked for the national broadcaster in Western Australia and Queensland.

Originally from Adelaide, Mr Denny was an army apprentice and tradesman on armed vehicles in Victoria before his move into broadcasting.