‘I have accepted a new opportunity’

Another longtime TV anchor in Boston is saying farewell.

Boston 25’s Vanessa Welch is leaving the station after nine years — and 25 years overall in the industry — as she plans to spend more time with her family while taking on a new opportunity.

“I feel so blessed. This has been such an incredible journey,” Welch said during her goodbye, while praising her colleagues, Mark Ockerbloom, Kevin Lemanowicz and Butch Stearns. “You have become brothers to me. All of you. You are the best broadcasters in this business, and also some of the nicest guys on the planet.”

Welch also thanked the crew behind the scenes.

“And to you at home, all the viewers, it has been a true honor to serve you for almost nine years here in New England,” she added. “I want to say thank you. Thank you for the trust that you placed in me.”